Indulge in the rich, flaky layers of this homemade pastry, reminiscent of the finest puff pastry but with the added joy of a savory cheese filling. This meticulously crafted recipe combines the simplicity of basic ingredients with the art of pastry making, resulting in a crispy, golden, and utterly delicious creation. Perfect for those who love the elegance of layered pastries but crave the satisfaction of a hearty cheese filling. Whether you opt for white cheese, cottage cheese, or your own unique filling, this pastry is guaranteed to impress with its delicate layers and irresistible flavor.
Why You'll Love This:
This pastry is a true testament to the beauty of baking, offering a perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The process of layering the dough with butter or margarine and folding it creates numerous flaky layers that bake up beautifully golden and crisp. The versatility of the filling allows you to customize it to your taste, making it a delightful option for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack at any time of day.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for special breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or as a sophisticated addition to your afternoon tea. It's a fantastic choice for entertaining, allowing you to showcase your baking skills and treat your guests to something uniquely delicious. This pastry also makes a wonderful accompaniment to a soup or salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful golden sheen, brush the top of the pastry with egg yolk before baking. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or nigella seeds can add a lovely texture and visual appeal. Serve the baked pastries on a chic serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs or a side of yogurt for dipping, to elevate the presentation and add a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups water (300ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups flour (add gradually as needed)
- 150g butter or margarine, melted and cooled
- 200g white cheese or cottage cheese, or filling of your choice
- 1 egg yolk for glazing
Instructions:
- Mix water, salt, and flour to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Divide the dough into three equal parts (or four, if preferred) and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out each piece of dough as thin as possible, brush each with melted butter or margarine, and stack them. Pull the edges to even out and enlarge the stacked dough slightly, aiming for a square shape.
- Spread the cheese filling along two opposite edges of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling in 3-inch increments, bringing the two filled sides towards the center and then cutting the dough in half to create two pieces. Cut each piece into triangles and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush the pastries with egg yolk and bake at 180°C (356°F) in a fan-assisted oven until golden and crispy.
Enjoy this Layered and Crispy Pastry, a labor of love that brings the joy of flaky, buttery pastry and the deliciousness of cheese filling to your table, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade elegance.