Name: Flaky Meat Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: Premade puff pastry, ready to unroll (1 sheet).; Two minced garlic cloves.; Finely chopped small onion (1 piece).; About 300g of ground meat, like beef or a combo of beef and lamb.; A tablespoon of olive oil.; Cheese of your choice, grated (Emmental, Gruyère, or mozzarella, 150g).; One beaten egg for brushing.; Sesame or poppy seeds, optional.; A teaspoon of smoked paprika.; Half a teaspoon of ground cumin.; A pinch of salt and ground black pepper.

A golden puff pastry roll stuffed with ground meat and veggies, served with sauce and sesame seeds. | tasteofsavor.com

I love whipping up these flaky pastry rolls whenever I'm craving a tasty snack that everyone enjoys. There's nothing better than that combo of crisp puff pastry with flavorful meat and stretchy cheese - it's totally addictive. One of my go-to kitchen wins that always brings smiles around the table.

A staple that follows me everywhere

This has become my secret weapon in the kitchen. Using basic stuff I usually have lying around, I make these little bites that never fail to impress. They're perfect when friends pop by unexpectedly or for casual family dinners.

Shopping list

1 ready-made puff pastry sheet: I keep it properly chilled, that's key.
300g ground meat: I typically go for a beef-veal mixture.
100g grated cheese: Emmental works best for me.
1 onion: Fresh ones add more flavor.
1 garlic clove: It gives that extra kick we all crave.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the filling.
1 egg: The trick to getting that beautiful golden color.
Salt and pepper: Add to taste.
Herbs de Provence or parsley: For added aroma.

Step-by-step guide

The filling comes first: I cook the onion in olive oil until it turns clear. Then I throw in garlic followed by meat. I let everything brown nicely with my herbs, salt and pepper.
Assembly time: While the oven heats to 180°C, I spread my filling over the pastry. Then I scatter plenty of grated cheese on top.
The tricky part: I roll everything up tightly and cut into 3 cm slices.
Off to the oven: I arrange them on my baking sheet, brush with beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
The best bit: I let them cool slightly before serving with a green salad. Absolutely delicious.

Tasty twists

I often switch up the cheese depending on my mood. Cheddar adds a nice British touch I really dig, while mozzarella creates amazing cheese pulls. Sometimes I mix in some grated veggies for freshness and extra color.

A puff pastry roll stuffed with ground meat and vegetables, sprinkled with sesame seeds. | tasteofsavor.com

Zero waste tips

The handiest thing is I can freeze these before or after baking. When cooking from frozen, I allow 25-30 minutes in a 180°C oven without thawing first. Any leftovers go in an airtight container, and I warm them up in the oven so they stay crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this roll be made ahead?: Sure! Prep it up to baking step, then refrigerate for 24 hours. Let it sit out 15 minutes before baking.
→ How to keep the pastry from getting soggy?: Cool the filling completely before spreading. Also, drain the meat well to remove extra juices.
→ Can I freeze the roll?: Yep, freeze either raw or baked. For raw, freeze it on a tray first, then wrap it. For baked, wait until it’s fully cool before freezing.
→ What’s the best cheese option?: Emmental, gruyere, or mozzarella work great. Pick a cheese that melts nicely and fits your taste.
→ How do I get a nice golden crust?: Egg wash is key! Brush it generously over the top, and for extra golden color, go for a second layer.

Flaky Meat Roll

A crisp, flaky pastry filled with spiced ground meat and gooey cheese. A full dish loved by all ages.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (1 roll)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Premade puff pastry, ready to unroll (1 sheet).

02 Two minced garlic cloves.

03 Finely chopped small onion (1 piece).

04 About 300g of ground meat, like beef or a combo of beef and lamb.

05 A tablespoon of olive oil.

06 Cheese of your choice, grated (Emmental, Gruyère, or mozzarella, 150g).

07 One beaten egg for brushing.

08 Sesame or poppy seeds, optional.

09 A teaspoon of smoked paprika.

10 Half a teaspoon of ground cumin.

11 A pinch of salt and ground black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic, stirring until they soften up nicely.

Step 02

Add the ground meat to the skillet along with the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook it through, stirring often, until the meat turns golden-brown and fully done. Let it cool off once cooked.

Step 03

Lay out the puff pastry sheet. Spread the cooled meat mixture evenly across, leaving a 2cm gap along the edges. Next, sprinkle your grated cheese over the meat.

Step 04

Gently roll up the pastry into a tight log, starting from one of the longer edges. Seal the ends with a bit of water, then place it on a lined baking tray.

Step 05

Brush the rolled pastry with the beaten egg. Sprinkle on some seeds if you'd like. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, taking it out once it turns golden brown and flaky.

Notes

Make this ahead of time and warm it up when needed.

Pairs well with a green salad or homemade tomato dip.

Boost the flavors by adding fresh herbs or a touch of mustard.

Tools You'll Need

Non-stick skillet.

Baking tray.

Parchment paper.

Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Gluten (from puff pastry).
Contains eggs.
Dairy (cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 22 g
Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
Protein: 18 g

Cheesy Flaky Delight