Delicious Cheese Pastries Recipe for Your Next Snack Time
Hey there, fellow foodies! I’m thrilled to share this cheese pastry recipe with you today. As a dedicated vegan chef, I adore creating recipes that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences. The recipe comes from the classic cookbook Vegetarian Epicure by Anna Thomas – an incredible resource for delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes.
These cheese pastries are a true delight for any occasion: breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. They’re easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste buds. This savory pastry is perfect for cheese lovers, and it’s also great for those who are looking to transition into a vegetarian diet.
This buttery flaky pastry is filled with extra-sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, which gives it a distinctive flavor that makes your taste buds dance with joy. It’s also seasoned with ground pepper, paprika, and salt to create a delicately-spiced dough that complements the filling perfectly. Trust me; your kitchen will smell amazing as you bake them in the oven.
So get ready to dazzle your guests with these appetizing pastries – vegetarian epicure Anna Thomas has you covered! In the next section, I’ll dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe and what makes it stand out from other cheese pastry recipes out there. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, fellow foodies! Have you been searching for a recipe that’s both savory and satisfying? Look no further than these Cheese Pastries from the Vegetarian Epicure by Anna Thomas. Trust me, this recipe will be your new go-to for any occasion.
Firstly, let’s talk cheese. Who doesn’t love a good cheese pastry, am I right? The combination of extra-sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses creates a rich and flavorful filling that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
But wait, there’s more! The dough is made from scratch with a buttery flavor that complements the cheesy goodness inside. Drizzled with heavy cream and spices like paprika, ground pepper, and salt, these pastries are irresistible and unforgettable.
And let’s not forget the versatility of this dish. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or bringing them to a potluck or picnic, these tasty morsels are sure to impress. Plus, with substitutions and variations like onion pie or artichoke cheese puff, you can make them your own according to your taste.
Lastly, let’s talk about ease of preparation. This recipe is beginner-friendly and can be made ahead of time or even frozen for later use. Perfect for when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to your local grocery store or Walmart to grab the ingredients needed to make these delectable Cheese Pastries. Don’t just take my word for it – try it out for yourself and see why this recipe is a fan favorite among vegans and non-vegans alike. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious savory Cheese Pastries from the Vegetarian Epicure book by Anna Thomas. The ingredient list might seem daunting at first, but trust me, each component contributes to the rich and cheesy flavor profile of these pastries that you will absolutely love.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour (1 cup)
- Butter (2 sticks or 1 cup) – don’t forget to bring it to room temperature before using
- Cold water (2 teaspoons)
- Egg (1, beaten)
- Extra-sharp cheddar cheese (4 oz., grated)
- Parmesan cheese (1 oz., grated)
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Don’t worry if some of these ingredients aren’t in your pantry right now – I’ll share tips for substitutions and variations in the upcoming sections. Trust me, with patience and creativity, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious batch of these Cheese Pastries in no time.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Prepare the pastry dough
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of paprika. Cut 4 ounces of cold butter into small pieces, and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend everything together until you have pea-sized crumble. Add 4 ounces of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese and 2 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese, whisk together one egg yolk with ¼ cup of heavy cream then add it to the flour mixture. Mix all the ingredients using your hands until a dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, roll each portion on a floured surface into a ball then flatten slightly into a disc shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least half an hour.
Prepare Cheese Filling
In a bowl, blend 4 ounces of cream cheese with 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Add 1 cup of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, mix everything together using a mixer or spoon.
Take out one chilled dough disc from the refrigerator and roll it out to about an eighth-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use circle cookie cutters or any shape you prefer. Cut out shapes from the dough then place them on prepared baking sheets.
Add about one teaspoon of cheese filling then fold over one side to create half-moon shapes.
Using a sharp knife, make two small slits on top for air vents.
Brush the surface with some beaten egg whites to give it an appetizing golden appearance then bake them in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, till they are golden brown.
Enjoy these delicious Cheese Pastries as an appetizer paired with wine or as snacks while watching your favorite movie.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you itching to add your own spin to this recipe? Luckily, I’ve got some great ideas for substitutions and variations that will keep things fresh and exciting in the kitchen.
Looking for a creamier filling? Swap out the extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a milder variety like brie or gouda. You can also use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for an even richer flavor. Not vegan? Go wild with the parmesan cheese and sprinkle it on top of each pastry for an added bite.
Want to switch up the spices? Try adding a pinch of cumin or red pepper flakes for some extra heat, or experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary or basil for a fresher taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a sweet twist by adding some honey or jam to the cheese mixture before folding it into the pastry.
If you’re looking to shake things up even more, try making bourekas or onion pretzels using the same cheese filling. Or, swap out the cheese altogether and use diced veggies like artichokes, tomatoes or spinach to make a vegetarian puff pastry roll.
In Paris they call this type of pastry “pâté en croûte” and fill it with all sorts of savory ingredients!
For those following a vegan lifestyle, try using vegan cheese substitutes and a non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream. VegNews has some great recommendations for vegan cheeses that melt beautifully in pastries like these.
Get creative and make this recipe your own – the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Oh boy, get ready for an indulgent treat! These Cheese Pastries are so versatile and delicious, you might find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds). They are perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch or even a snack.
I recommend serving these pastries warm right out of the oven so that the cheese is melted and gooey. This will enhance the flavors and make a great impression on your guests.
If you’re looking to pair these pastries with something, a refreshing green salad would go perfectly alongside them. The tangy sharp cheddar cheese flavor pairs well with fresh greens, and it will add some balance to the richness of the pastries. If you’re feeling like something heartier, a bowl of tomato soup could also be an excellent choice.
As someone who’s passionate about vegetarian cuisine, I can tell you that these Cheese Pastries would be a great hit at a party or social gathering, especially if they’re served with a nice glass of red wine.
In conclusion, these Cheese Pastries are deliciously cheesy and buttery, making them the ultimate comfort food. They are perfect for entertaining guests or adding some decadent goodness to your lunchtime routine. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe from the Vegetarian Epicure book by Anna Thomas, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Planning ahead is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen, and this recipe allows you to do just that! Whether you want to prepare these delicious cheese pastries a day or two in advance, or whether you have leftovers that you’d like to enjoy later, here are some tips on how to store, reheat and enjoy this mouthwatering dish:
Make-ahead:
If you’ll be entertaining guests, preparing the pastries ahead of time can save rushing around last minute. These cheese pastries freeze exceptionally well, so you can make a large batch and keep them ready to bake whenever you have company over. Simply prepare the recipe as per instructions, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a plastic ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Storing:
If you happen to have leftover cheese pastries or have pre-baked them for later use, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The key is keeping them from getting wet, as moisture will make them soggy. To ensure their crispy texture remains intact, leave them uncovered while cooling down before transferring them to an airtight container.
Reheating:
To get the best results when reheating cheese pastries, avoid using the microwave as it can make the pastry lose its crispiness. An oven or toaster oven works perfectly well. Preheat your oven at 350°F (180°C) then place the pastries on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through and crisp on top.
With these tips, you’ll know how to make savory cheese onion pies at will whenever your cravings kick in!
Tips for Perfect Results
As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks for making these Cheese Pastries turn out just right. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Keep your ingredients chilled: Cold butter and cream cheese are a must for a flaky pastry dough. Make sure to chill them before using for best results.
2. Don’t overwork the dough: When making the pastry dough, handle it as little as possible to avoid tough pastry. Mix until just combined.
3. Use sharp cheddar cheese: For the best flavor, go for extra-sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild or medium. The more aged the cheddar, the better.
4. Add some spice: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to give your pastry an extra kick of flavor.
5. Be precise with measuring: In baking, precision matters! Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh out ingredients whenever possible for accurate measurements.
6. Let the pastry dough rest: After making the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight if you have time). This will allow the gluten in the flour to relax and result in a flakier pastry.
7. Roll out evenly: Use a rolling pin to roll out your dough evenly (not too thin) to ensure that your pastries cook evenly and aren’t too crispy.
8. Don’t overcrowd: Give each pastry enough space on the baking sheet to expand while cooking without touching each other.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create savory Cheese Pastries that are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information you need to make these delicious cheese pastries from the Vegetarian Epicure recipe, I encourage you to take action and try them out for yourself. With their savory cheese filling and flaky crust, these pastries are sure to impress your family and friends.
Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also made with wholesome vegetarian ingredients. They’re perfect for those who follow a vegetarian or plant-based lifestyle, or anyone looking to add some more meatless meals to their diet.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your local grocery store or Walmart to pick up the ingredients, and preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. I promise that once you smell the aroma of the pastries baking in the oven, you won’t be able to resist taking a bite.
And don’t forget, if you have any questions or concerns about making this recipe, make sure to refer back to the FAQ section for helpful tips and advice. Happy cooking!
Cheese Pastries (Vegetarian Epicure) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch ground pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, well chilled
- 1 egg, beaten with
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Stir together the flour, salt, paprika and pepper. Put in food processor, add butter and process until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add and process with both grated cheeses.
- Sprinkle cream over mixture and process until you have a smooth dough. (You may knead it by hand a bit.)
- Put glob on waxed paper, press to form a disk, wrap in the waxed paper and chill for about an hour.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured pastry cloth, until it is a thickness of a little less than ¼ inch.
- Cut into small or medium circles or strips.
- Arrange them on ungreased cookie sheets; then brush with the beaten egg/water mixture.
- Bake in preheated 325 degrees F oven for 12-14 minutes. (Or until they are puffed and slightly brown on top.).
Add Your Own Notes
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.