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American Cheese Pastry 2

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

American Cheese Pastry 2

American Cheese Pastry 2 is a cherished staple on home tables across the country, where it's often baked for weekend brunches or as a comforting evening treat. The recipe has been lovingly passed down through generations, capturing the essence of American home cooking with its simplicity and rich flavor. This version stays true to tradition, relying on instinct and familiarity rather than precise measurements to bring it to life.

Expect a buttery, flaky crust that gives way to a luscious, cheesy filling. The balance of salt and fat creates a savory delight that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each bite. This pastry is best enjoyed with a group, encouraging a moment of shared indulgence around the table.

Ingredients

  • 300 gflour
  • 200 gcheese
  • 100 gbutter
  • 1egg

Method

  1. Begin by bringing the ingredients to the right temperature. Remove 100 g of butter from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until soft but not melted. Crack 1 egg into a small bowl and allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures the butter will cream smoothly and the egg will incorporate evenly into the dough.
  2. Grate 200 g of cheese using a box grater. Choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or American, to ensure a smooth texture in the pastry. Set the grated cheese aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the softened butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a flaky pastry texture.
  4. Add the room temperature egg to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
  5. Incorporate the grated cheese into the dough by folding it in with your hands. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough, but avoid overmixing. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
  7. Place the cut dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven until the pastries are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. The pastries should be firm to the touch and have a rich, cheesy aroma.
  8. Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to be at its best. Enjoy the pastries as a savory snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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