Craving a quick and delicious snack that’s perfect for any evening? This puff pastry filled with salami and cheese is an irresistible treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with savory salami and melty cheese. Paired with a rich beer cheese sauce, these pastries make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to create this delightful dish step-by-step!
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry with Tomato Sauce:
- Puff Pastry: 400 g (14 oz)
- Tomato Sauce: 100 g (1/2 cup)
- Salt: 5 g (1 teaspoon)
- Olive Oil: 20 ml (1 1/2 tablespoons)
- Sesame Seeds: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
For the Puff Pastry with Salami and Cheese:
- Puff Pastry: 400 g (14 oz)
- Pressed Cheese: 200 g (7 oz), sliced
- Salami: 150 g (5.3 oz), sliced
- Egg Yolk: 1, for brushing
- Flour: For sprinkling
- Sesame Seeds: For decoration
- Poppy Seeds: For decoration
For the Dressing – Beer Cheese Sauce:
- Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
- Flour: 25 g (3 tablespoons)
- Beer: 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
- Grated Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Salt: 3 g (1/2 teaspoon)
- Chili: A pinch, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, salt, and olive oil. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This mixture will add a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the first set of puff pastry.
Step 2: Prepare the First Puff Pastry
- Spread the Sauce: Roll out the first 400 g (14 oz) of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread the prepared tomato sauce mixture evenly over half of the puff pastry sheet.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds and grated Parmesan cheese over the tomato sauce-covered pastry.
- Fold and Flatten: Fold the puff pastry in half over the toppings, then use a rolling pin to flatten and seal the layers together.
- Cut and Arrange: Cut the pastry into squares of your desired size and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring some space between each square to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Second Puff Pastry
- Layer Cheese and Salami: Roll out the second 400 g (14 oz) of puff pastry. Lay slices of pressed cheese over half of the pastry, then evenly spread the salami slices over the cheese layer.
- Fold and Flatten: Fold the pastry over the cheese and salami, and use a rolling pin to flatten the pastry gently, ensuring the fillings are sealed inside.
- Cut and Arrange: Cut the filled pastry into squares and place them on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Puff Pastries
- Brush with Egg Yolk: Beat the egg yolk in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of both sets of puff pastry squares. This will give the pastries a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Decorate: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tomato sauce pastry squares and poppy seeds over the salami and cheese pastry squares for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake both sets of puff pastry squares for about 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Beer Cheese Sauce
- Make the Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to bubble slightly, creating a roux.
- Add Beer: Gradually pour in the beer while stirring constantly. Continue to cook over low heat until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated cheese, salt, and a pinch of chili to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Warm: Transfer the baked puff pastry squares to a serving plate. Serve them warm alongside the beer cheese sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy: These puff pastries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, with the sauce adding a creamy and slightly spicy kick that complements the savory fillings perfectly.
Notes
- Cheese Quality: For the best flavor, use high-quality cheese and avoid pre-shredded varieties, which can contain additives that affect melting.
- Puff Pastry Handling: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it to make it easier to handle and ensure a flakier texture.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, meats, or even add herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the pastries to your taste.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute Fillings: You can swap the salami for other cured meats like prosciutto, ham, or pepperoni. Similarly, you can replace Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
- Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, add some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the puff pastry fillings.
- Make Ahead: These pastries can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to bake them fresh to maintain their flaky texture.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: Makes approximately 16 squares
- Calories: 220 per square
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
This quick and easy puff pastry recipe is a fantastic evening treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family. The combination of savory fillings, flaky pastry, and a rich cheese sauce makes this dish an irresistible choice for any occasion. Enjoy your puff pastries warm and fresh, and delight in the delicious, comforting flavors of this homemade snack!