07 Jun 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
4 sheets puff pastry
Three-cheese pastizzi is a delicious, savory pastry filled with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. This delightful treat hails from Malta and is perfect for enjoying as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal. The flaky puff pastry combined with the creamy, cheesy filling makes for a scrumptious dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Crack one egg into the bowl and mix thoroughly until all the cheeses are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick if they are not pre-rolled.
- Cut each sheet into quarters or desired shape, ensuring you have equal-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Pastizzi:
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the center of each puff pastry piece.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or desired shape, ensuring the edges are sealed. You can press the edges together with a fork to crimp and seal them securely.
- Arrange the filled pastizzi on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
4. Egg Wash:
- Beat the second egg in a small bowl.
- Brush the tops of the pastizzi with the beaten egg. This will give them a golden-brown finish when baked.
5. Bake the Pastizzi:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastizzi are puffed and golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not over-brown.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Use good quality, full-fat ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
- Make sure to thaw your puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator before using them to make handling easier.
- To prevent the filling from leaking out during baking, make sure the edges of the puff pastry are well-sealed.
- For an extra crispy texture, brush the tops of the pastizzi with a little beaten egg before baking.
- Allow the pastizzi to cool slightly after baking to let the filling set, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Creating Three-cheese pastizzi is an excellent way to explore Maltese cuisine and enjoy a delectable combination of flavors and textures. By following this recipe and incorporating these tips, you'll be able to craft a batch of mouth-watering pastizzi that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Happy cooking!