Mini Strudels with Leeks, Speck, and Gruyère
Category: Appetizer
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
These delightful mini strudels are a perfect combination of savory flavors, with the delicate sweetness of leeks, the rich smokiness of speck, and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Gruyère cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy puff pastry. Whether served as a starter for a special dinner or as a savory snack at a party, they are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry | 230g |
| Gruyère cheese | 100g |
| Leeks | 170g |
| Butter | 50g |
| Speck | 100g |
| Freshly ground black pepper | q.b. |
| Fine salt | q.b. |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Fresh cream | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the filling:
Start by cleaning and washing the leeks. Trim the tough outer leaves and finely slice the tender part of the leeks. In a pan, melt the butter over low heat and add the sliced leeks, allowing them to soften and caramelize for about 5-7 minutes. -
Add the speck:
While the leeks cook, slice the speck into julienne strips. Once the leeks are golden and tender, add the speck to the pan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook everything together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Prepare the pastry and cheese:
Grate the Gruyère cheese into thin shavings. Then, take the puff pastry and cut it into four rectangular pieces, each approximately 20×15 cm in size. Reserve the leftover edges of the pastry for later use. -
Assemble the strudels:
Place a small handful of grated Gruyère in the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving some space around the edges. Then, spoon the leek and speck mixture over the cheese. Fold in the short edges of the pastry and then roll the pastry from the long sides to form a neat parcel. Seal the edges using a small amount of water to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. -
Egg wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with one tablespoon of fresh cream. Brush this mixture generously over the top of each strudel to give them a golden, glossy finish once baked. -
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in convection mode. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the prepared strudels on the tray, ensuring the seam is on the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the strudels are golden brown and crispy. -
Serve:
Once baked, allow the mini strudels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as a delicious appetizer, perfect for any occasion!
These mini strudels with leeks, speck, and Gruyère are the ideal combination of savory flavors wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. The melt-in-your-mouth Gruyère contrasts beautifully with the tender leeks and the crispy speck, creating an irresistible bite-sized treat.
