White Cheese Filled Pastries: A Delicious and Savory Treat

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White Cheese Filled Pastries are a delightful and savory treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. These pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of white cheese and optional fresh parsley, then topped with sesame or nigella seeds for added flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these tasty pastries.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg

For the Filling

  • 1 cup crumbled white cheese (such as feta or a similar variety)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon water

For Topping (Optional)

  • Sesame seeds or nigella seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and dry yeast.
    • Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Add the activated yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and one egg to the flour mixture.
    • Mix until the dough comes together.
  4. Knead the Dough:
    • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix the Filling:
    • In a small bowl, combine the crumbled white cheese and chopped fresh parsley (if using).

Step 3: Shape the Pastries

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Lay a sheet of parchment paper over a baking tray.
  2. Divide and Roll Out the Dough:
    • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions (about 12 pieces).
    • Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a small circle using a rolling pin.
  3. Fill the Dough:
    • Spoon a portion of the cheese filling into the center of each dough circle.
    • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal.
  4. Prepare the Egg Wash:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water.
  5. Brush and Top:
    • Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Brush the tops with the egg wash.
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds, if desired.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake the Pastries:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Cool and Serve:
    • Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

White Cheese Filled Pastries are a delicious and savory treat that is perfect for any time of the day. The combination of fluffy dough and creamy cheese filling, enhanced by the optional fresh parsley and seed topping, makes these pastries irresistible. Enjoy these delightful pastries with your family and friends, and make them a staple in your recipe collection.