Festive Beef and Cheese Pastry Rolls: A Holiday Table Essential

I’ve perfected this show-stopping holiday appetizer that combines buttery puff pastry with a savory meat filling and creamy cheese mixture. This recipe draws inspiration from both Eastern European piroshki and French pâté en croûte, creating an elegant yet comforting dish that’s become a modern holiday classic.

Why This Recipe Works

These spiraled pastries strike the perfect balance between flaky exterior and rich, flavorful filling. The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh herbs, and creamy cheese creates layers of flavor that develop as they bake, while the puff pastry provides an irresistibly crispy shell.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 70g (2.5 oz) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Meat Filling Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder

For the Cheese-Vegetable Filling

• ½ onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g (3.5 oz) cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 pickles, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Additional Filling Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon dry ground garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Assembly

• 450g (16 oz) puff pastry
• 150g (5.3 oz) butter, divided
• 1 egg for egg wash

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat
2. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (5-7 minutes)
3. Add ground beef, breaking up large chunks
4. Cook until nicely browned (8-10 minutes)
5. Mix in remaining ingredients
6. Cool completely before assembly

2. Create the Cheese-Vegetable Filling

1. Sauté diced onion and carrot until soft
2. Combine with remaining ingredients
3. Mix until well incorporated
4. Refrigerate until needed

3. Assembly Process

1. Roll out cold puff pastry on floured surface
2. Spread 50g softened butter evenly
3. Layer meat mixture carefully
4. Top with cheese-vegetable mixture
5. Roll tightly into log shape
6. Cut into 2-inch (5cm) portions

4. Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Line baking sheet with parchment
3. Arrange rolls with spacing
4. Brush with beaten egg
5. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep pastry cold until ready to use
• Ensure fillings are completely cooled
• Roll tightly to prevent gaps
• Score top of rolls for decoration
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Options

• Prepare fillings 1-2 days in advance
• Assemble rolls day before
• Freeze unbaked rolls up to 1 month

Storage Instructions

• Store baked rolls 3-4 days refrigerated
• Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven
• Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months

Nutrition Information

Per Roll (makes 12 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

Time Management

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Assembly Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Ideas

• Arrange on festive platter
• Garnish with fresh herbs
• Serve with additional sour cream
• Add colorful vegetable garnish

Perfect Pairings

• Light green salad
• Pickled vegetables
• Cranberry sauce
• Mustard dipping sauce

These Festive Beef and Cheese Pastry Rolls have become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. The combination of flaky pastry, seasoned meat, and creamy cheese filling creates an impressive dish that’s perfect for special occasions. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to any holiday table.