American Cheese Pastry

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Start by bringing the butter (100 g) to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough, ensuring a smooth texture. Leave the egg out as well to reach room temperature, which helps it blend more evenly into the mixture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with a pinch of salt. Grate or finely shred 200 g of cheese and add it to the flour. Mix these dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the flour.
3. Cut the softened butter into small cubes and add it to the flour and cheese mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky texture in the pastry.
4. Crack the room-temperature egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly with a fork. Add the beaten egg to the flour mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to gently combine the ingredients until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the butter to firm up, which helps the pastry maintain its structure during baking.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into desired shapes, such as squares or circles, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. The edges should be crisp, and the cheese should have a slightly toasted aroma. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
8. Serve the American Cheese Pastry warm or at room temperature. The pastry should be flaky with a rich, cheesy flavor, perfect for sharing at the table.