Festive Meat and Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls: A Family Favorite

I’m excited to share this cherished family recipe that has become a holiday tradition. These golden-brown puff pastry rolls, filled with seasoned meat and creamy cheese, always bring smiles to our festive table. The combination of flaky pastry, savory filling, and the optional tangy pickle sauce creates an irresistible appetizer or main course that disappears quickly at any gathering.

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

Meat Filling

• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground garlic
• 70g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch each fresh dill and parsley, chopped
• 1 medium yellow pepper, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 50g (3½ tablespoons) butter
• ½ onion, finely chopped (additional)
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 2 large eggs (additional)

Pastry Layer

• 450g (1 lb) puff pastry, cold
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 120g (½ cup) butter
• 100g (1 cup) cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) dried garlic
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper

Egg Wash and Sauce

• 1 egg + ½ teaspoon salt + 1 teaspoon sugar (for egg wash)
• 2 pickled cucumbers, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Instructions

Preparing the Meat Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Ground meat
• 2 beaten eggs
• Salt, pepper, paprika, and ground garlic
• Mix thoroughly until well combined

1. Add flour and tomato sauce to the meat mixture, incorporating them evenly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté:

• Chopped onion until translucent (3-4 minutes)
• Add yellow pepper and cook for 2 minutes
• Stir in fresh dill and parsley
• Transfer to the meat mixture

Cooking the Vegetable Base

4. In the same pan, melt 50g butter and sauté:

• Additional chopped onion until golden
• Add grated carrot and cook until softened (5-7 minutes)
• Let cool slightly before adding to meat mixture

Preparing the Cheese Filling

5. In a medium bowl, combine:

• Grated cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Dried garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Mix until well combined

Assembling the Rolls

6. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. On a lightly floured surface:

• Roll out cold puff pastry into rectangles
• Spread meat mixture evenly, leaving 1-inch border
• Top with cheese mixture
• Roll tightly lengthwise, pinching edges to seal
• Cut into equal portions (approximately 3 inches each)

Final Preparation and Baking

8. Prepare egg wash:

• Beat egg with salt and sugar until well combined

8. Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet:

• Space them 2 inches apart
• Brush generously with egg wash
• Score tops lightly with a knife if desired

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Optional Sauce Preparation

11. While rolls are baking, prepare the sauce:

• Mix finely chopped pickles
• Add minced garlic and mayonnaise
• Season with salt and pepper
• Refrigerate until serving

Storage Instructions

• Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes before serving

Nutrition Information (per roll)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

Professional Tips

• Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use
• Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent filling from leaking
• Let rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before serving
• Can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking
• If freezing, add 5-7 minutes to baking time
• Score the tops of the rolls before baking for an attractive presentation

These festive rolls are perfect for any holiday gathering, bringing together the rich flavors of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and buttery puff pastry. The optional pickle sauce adds a tangy contrast that complements the savory filling perfectly.