These refined puff pastry rolls combine the delicacy of French pastry with a richly seasoned meat filling, creating an elegant appetizer suitable for special occasions. Drawing inspiration from both Eastern European and French culinary traditions, this dish elevates the classic meat roll to new heights of sophistication.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 500g (1.1 lb) minced meat
- 2 large eggs
- 70g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bunch fresh dill
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 1 red pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (5g) dried garlic
For the Cheese Filling
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 100g (1 cup) grated cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) dried garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
For Assembly
- 500g (17.6 oz) puff pastry
- 50g (3½ tablespoons) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
For the Accompanying Sauce
- 2 gherkins, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) sour cream
Time Requirements
- Preparation: 45 minutes
- Baking: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meat Filling
- Prepare Aromatics
- Finely chop onion, dill, and parsley
- Cut red pepper into thin strips
- Combine with minced meat
- Season Mixture
- Add eggs and breadcrumbs
- Incorporate tomato sauce
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried garlic
- Mix thoroughly until well combined
Creating the Cheese Filling
- Prepare Base
- Grate hard-boiled eggs finely
- Combine with grated cheese
- Add mayonnaise
- Season
- Incorporate dried garlic
- Add salt and pepper
- Mix until smooth and spreadable
Assembly Process
- Prepare Pastry
- Roll puff pastry into 30x40cm rectangle
- Maintain even thickness throughout
- Layer Ingredients
- Brush surface with melted garlic butter
- Spread meat mixture evenly
- Add cheese filling layer
- Leave 2cm border on all sides
- Form Rolls
- Roll tightly from long edge
- Seal edges with beaten egg
- Cut into 3cm portions
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
Baking Process
- Initial Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake 30 minutes until golden
- Finish
- Brush with beaten egg
- Return to oven 5 minutes
- Ensure complete cooking
Preparing the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients
- Mix chopped gherkins with minced garlic
- Fold into sour cream
- Season to taste
Nutritional Information
Per roll (12 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Professional Tips
- Temperature Management
- Keep pastry chilled until use
- Ensure even oven temperature
- Allow rolls to rest before serving
- Texture Control
- Avoid overfilling rolls
- Seal edges thoroughly
- Create steam vents in top
- Quality Assurance
- Use high-fat content meat
- Select quality puff pastry
- Ensure proper seasoning balance
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Options
- Mixed pork and beef
- Ground lamb for Middle Eastern flavor
- Turkey for lighter version
- Cheese Alternatives
- Gruyère for sophistication
- Aged cheddar for sharpness
- Fontina for mellowness
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
A: Ensure proper sealing and avoid overfilling.
Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked rolls up to 1 month; bake directly from frozen.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Heat in 160°C (320°F) oven for 10 minutes until warm.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage
- Refrigerate baked rolls up to 3 days
- Store sauce separately
- Reheat before serving
Long-Term Storage
- Freeze unbaked rolls individually
- Wrap well in plastic and foil
- Label with date and contents
Make-Ahead Strategies
- Prepare fillings day before
- Assemble rolls morning of event
- Make sauce up to 2 days ahead
These sophisticated meat rolls represent the perfect marriage of delicate pastry and hearty filling, suitable for elegant entertaining or special family gatherings. Their make-ahead capability and impressive presentation make them an excellent choice for hosts seeking both convenience and refinement.
