Cheesy Baked Puff Pastry Rolls with Beef

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Ingredients List (Serves 4–6)

For the Pastry Rolls

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
  • 400–500 g corned beef, pastrami, or cooked beef, shredded or chopped
  • 300–400 g cheese, grated
    (mozzarella, emmental, cheddar, or a mix)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Dried oregano or thyme (optional)

For the Creamy Base (Optional but Recommended)

  • 200 ml heavy cream or cooking cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon or mild mustard
  • Salt (only if needed)

For Topping

  • Extra grated cheese
  • Black pepper
  • Butter for greasing the dish

🥩 Choosing the Right Beef

The success of this recipe depends heavily on the beef you choose.

Best Options

  • Corned beef – classic, juicy, and flavorful
  • Pastrami – smoky and rich
  • Leftover roast beef – economical and delicious
  • Cooked shredded beef – well-seasoned

💡 Tip: The meat should already be cooked. This dish is about baking and melting, not raw cooking.

🥐 Puff Pastry Tips for Perfect Results

  • Always thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator, not at room temperature
  • Keep it cold until filling
  • Do not overfill, or it will burst
  • Use a sharp knife for clean cuts

Cold pastry = flaky pastry.

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Place the shredded beef in a bowl.
  2. Add chopped onion (if using).
  3. Add half of the grated cheese.
  4. Season with black pepper and herbs.
  5. Mix gently until combined.

If using cream:

  • Mix cream and mustard in a separate bowl.
  • Lightly season.

🧻 Step 2: Assemble the Puff Pastry Rolls

  1. Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface.
  2. Cut each sheet into wide rectangles or strips.
  3. Spoon the beef mixture along one side.
  4. Add a little cream mixture if using.
  5. Roll tightly but gently, sealing the edge.

Repeat until all filling is used.

🧈 Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Grease a baking dish generously with butter.
  3. Arrange the rolls side by side, seam-side down.

They should fit snugly — this keeps them moist.

🧀 Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

  1. Pour remaining cream (if using) over the rolls.
  2. Sprinkle generously with remaining cheese.
  3. Add black pepper and herbs on top.

Bake for 30–40 minutes, until:

  • Pastry is golden brown
  • Cheese is bubbling
  • Edges are crisp

💡 If top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.

🔥 Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes.

This allows:

  • Cheese to set slightly
  • Rolls to slice cleanly
  • Flavors to settle

Serve warm.

🍽️ How to Serve This Dish

This dish is rich, so pair it wisely.

Best Side Dishes

  • Fresh green salad
  • Tomato and cucumber salad
  • Light vegetable soup
  • Steamed vegetables

Sauces (Optional)

  • Garlic sauce
  • Mustard sauce
  • Creamy mushroom sauce

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overfilling the pastry

❌ Using low-quality cheese

❌ Skipping resting time

❌ Baking at too high temperature

❌ Adding salt without tasting meat first

🧀 Cheese Variations

Want to change the flavor?

Try:

  • Mozzarella + cheddar (stretchy + sharp)
  • Emmental + gouda (nutty and smooth)
  • Smoked cheese for deeper flavor
  • A little parmesan on top for crispness

🌶️ Flavor Variations

Make it your own:

  • Add caramelized onions
  • Add sautéed mushrooms
  • Add chili flakes for heat
  • Add garlic butter on top before baking

❄️ Storage and Reheating

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cover tightly

Reheating

  • Oven: 160°C for 10–15 minutes
  • Avoid microwave if possible (softens pastry)

🥗 Nutritional Notes

This is comfort food, not diet food — and that’s okay.

It provides:

  • Protein from beef
  • Calcium from cheese
  • Energy from pastry

Best enjoyed in moderation.

✨ Final Thoughts

This cheesy baked puff pastry beef dish is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Golden on the outside, rich and savory on the inside, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds.

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