Brasileiro Cheese Pastry

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Begin by bringing the butter (100 g) to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough. Take the egg out of the refrigerator as well, allowing it to warm slightly for better mixing.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the softened butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, creating a flaky texture in the pastry.
3. Grate 200 g of cheese and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Mix well until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cheese will add a rich flavor and a bit of saltiness to the pastry.
4. Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly with a fork. Gradually add the beaten egg to the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash of water, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two until it is smooth and cohesive. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the dough out to about 5 mm thickness and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place the cut pastries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled slightly, about 15-20 minutes. The pastries should have a crisp exterior and a soft, cheesy interior.
8. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the flavors to be at their most aromatic and the texture at its best. Enjoy the pastries as a savory snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing.