Cheese Pastries
Cheese pastries are savory, flaky treats filled with a rich blend of feta, Parmesan, herbs, and eggs, perfect for appetizers, brunch, or snack time with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble or mash the feta cheese with a fork.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, and pepper to the feta.
- Roll out the pastry sheets and cut into squares or desired shapes.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto each pastry square.
- Fold and seal the pastries as desired.
- Brush with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese to the feta. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried herbs like dill or oregano can be a lovely substitute. For a crunchier texture, try using phyllo dough instead of pastry sheets. Make sure to keep the pastry covered while you work to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese pastries warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with a refreshing *Cucumber With Yogurt* dip or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a hearty *Eggplant, Onion And Tomato Bake*. They also make a delightful addition to a Mediterranean-inspired brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. They can also be frozen before baking; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Pastries contains roughly 796 calories, with 57g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (334% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 861mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese has a similar texture to feta to maintain the integrity of the filling.
How can I make these pastries ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastries a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can also freeze them after assembling and bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What is the best way to seal the pastries?
To seal the pastries effectively, moisten the edges of the pastry with a little water or beaten egg before folding them over the filling. Press the edges firmly to ensure they stay sealed during baking. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).