I’ve perfected this stunning puff pastry roll that combines seasoned meat, melted cheese, and flaky layers to create an impressive centerpiece for any holiday gathering. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of textures – crispy golden pastry outside, juicy seasoned meat and creamy cheese inside – that creates an unforgettable dining experience.
The Story Behind This Holiday Favorite
This recipe draws inspiration from Eastern European savory pastries while incorporating modern flavors. The combination of herbs, spices, and cheese creates a sophisticated dish that’s become a beloved holiday tradition in many homes.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground meat (beef or beef/pork mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 70g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) tomato sauce
- Seasonings:
- 5g (1 teaspoon) salt
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) black pepper
- 5g (1 teaspoon) paprika
- 5g (1 teaspoon) ground dried garlic
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- ½ additional onion for sautéing
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
Fats and Oils
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 50g (3.5 tablespoons) butter for vegetables
- 120g (8.5 tablespoons) butter, melted for pastry
For the Pastry Layer
- 450g (1 lb) puff pastry
- 100g (1 cup) cheese, grated
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) mayonnaise
- Seasonings:
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) black pepper
For the Glaze
- 1 large egg
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) tomato sauce
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 5g (1 teaspoon) sugar
Detailed Instructions
Preparing the Meat Filling
- Create the meat base:
- Combine ground meat with eggs in a large bowl
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dried garlic
- Mix in flour and tomato sauce thoroughly
- Set aside
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan
- Sauté chopped onions until translucent
- Add grated carrots and diced pepper
- Cook until vegetables are softened
- Cool completely
- Finish the filling:
- Mix cooled vegetables into meat mixture
- Fold in chopped herbs
- Ensure even distribution of ingredients
Pastry Preparation
- Prepare garlic butter:
- Melt butter in small pan
- Add minced garlic
- Cook until fragrant
- Strain and cool slightly
- Prepare cheese mixture:
- Combine grated cheese with mayonnaise
- Season with salt and pepper
- Mix until well combined
Assembly Process
- Prepare work surface:
- Roll out puff pastry on floured surface
- Brush with garlic butter thoroughly
- Layer ingredients:
- Spread cheese mixture evenly
- Leave 1-inch border on all sides
- Spread meat mixture along one long edge
- Rolling technique:
- Start from meat edge
- Roll tightly using parchment paper
- Seal edges with water
- Place seam-side down
Glazing and Baking
- Prepare glaze:
- Whisk egg with salt and sugar
- Add tomato sauce and mayonnaise
- Mix in minced garlic
- Final preparation:
- Brush entire roll with glaze
- Score top decoratively
- Apply second layer of glaze
- Baking process:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Bake 35-40 minutes until golden
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep ingredients cold for best pastry results
- Ensure filling is completely cool before assembly
- Double glaze for extra shine
- Rest before cutting to set filling
- Use sharp knife for clean slices
Nutrition Information
Per serving (10 servings):
- Calories: 485
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
Storage and Serving
- Best served warm
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated
- Stores in refrigerator up to 3 days
- Freezes well up to 1 month
This elegant pastry roll combines the comfort of home cooking with the sophistication of fine dining, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. Its impressive appearance belies its straightforward preparation, allowing you to create a show-stopping dish that will become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.
