When it comes to appetizers that instantly win over a crowd, few things can compete with the irresistible crunch of a perfectly fried or baked pastry. These Vegetable and Cheese Cigars, wrapped in delicate brick pastry, are light, crispy, and packed with comforting flavors. They’re the kind of finger food that disappears from the plate within minutes, whether served at a casual gathering, a festive celebration, or a cozy evening aperitif.
Originating from North African and Mediterranean culinary traditions, brick pastry (feuilles de brick) is known for its paper-thin texture and ability to turn wonderfully crisp when cooked. In this recipe, it acts as the perfect shell for a savory filling made from grated vegetables and melted cheese. The result is a cigar-shaped appetizer that is crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and endlessly customizable.
This recipe is simple, approachable, and ideal for home cooks of all levels. With just a few ingredients—zucchini, carrot, cheese, and brick pastry—you can create an elegant appetizer that feels both homemade and refined.
Why This Appetizer Works So Well
The magic of this dish lies in contrast. The outer layer becomes golden and crackly, while the inside remains tender and creamy. Grated vegetables cook quickly and evenly, releasing natural sweetness and moisture. The cheese binds everything together, adding richness and depth.
Another reason these cigars are so popular is their versatility:
- They can be baked or fried
- They can be prepared ahead of time
- They’re easy to adapt to different cheeses and seasonings
- They’re handheld, making them perfect for social settings
Whether you serve them with a dipping sauce or enjoy them plain, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients Overview
Brick Pastry (Feuilles de Brick)
Brick pastry is thinner and more delicate than phyllo dough. It crisps quickly and doesn’t require layering. Handle it gently, and keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
Zucchini
Zucchini brings moisture and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese. Grating it ensures it cooks quickly and blends seamlessly into the filling.
Carrot
Carrot adds sweetness, color, and a slight bite. It balances the zucchini and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cheese
Cheese is the heart of the filling. Choose one that melts well and complements vegetables. Popular options include:
- Mozzarella
- Emmental
- Gruyère
- Mild cheddar
- A mix of cheeses for more complexity
Avoid overly wet cheeses unless well drained.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Grate the Vegetables
Start by washing and drying the zucchini and carrot. Using a box grater or food processor, grate them finely. This texture is key—it allows the vegetables to cook evenly and prevents large chunks from tearing the pastry.
If the zucchini releases a lot of water, lightly squeeze it with your hands or press it in a clean cloth. This step prevents soggy filling.
2. Lightly Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the grated vegetables and cook gently for a few minutes. You’re not looking to brown them—just soften them and remove excess moisture.
Season lightly with salt and pepper. At this stage, you can also add:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Herbs such as parsley or thyme
- Spices like paprika or cumin
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Add the Cheese
Once the vegetables are warm but not hot, stir in the grated cheese. Mixing while the vegetables are too hot may cause the cheese to melt prematurely.
The cheese should be evenly distributed, binding the vegetables into a cohesive filling without becoming overly sticky.
4. Prepare the Brick Pastry
Lay one sheet of brick pastry flat on a clean surface. Cut it in half if the sheets are large. Brush lightly with oil or melted butter—this ensures crispness and a beautiful golden color.
Keep remaining sheets covered to prevent them from drying out.
5. Fill and Roll into Cigars
Place a small amount of filling near one edge of the pastry. Do not overfill—too much filling makes rolling difficult and increases the risk of tearing.
Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly into a cigar shape. The roll should be snug but not compressed.
Repeat until all filling is used.
6. Cook: Bake or Fry
Baking Option
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Place cigars seam-side down on a lined baking tray
- Brush lightly with oil or butter
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp
Frying Option
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat
- Fry cigars in batches until evenly golden
- Drain on paper towels
Both methods are delicious. Baking is lighter, while frying offers deeper crunch and color.
7. Let Them Crisp
Allow the cigars to rest for a minute or two after cooking. This helps them firm up and reach peak crispiness.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, ideally fresh from the oven or pan. Arrange on a platter and watch them vanish.
Serving SuggestionsThese vegetable and cheese cigars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a sauce elevates the experience. Consider:
- Yogurt and garlic sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Spicy tomato dip
- Herb-infused sour cream
They work beautifully as:
- An aperitif snack
- A party appetizer
- A side dish with salad
- A vegetarian option in a mixed platter
Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill: Less is more when rolling
- Work quickly: Brick pastry dries fast
- Season thoughtfully: Cheese adds salt, so taste before adjusting
- Serve fresh: They’re best hot and crispy
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences:
- Add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness
- Include spinach or herbs for freshness
- Use feta for a sharper, saltier filling
- Add chili flakes for heat
You can also experiment with shapes—triangles, rolls, or parcels—all using the same filling.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Vegetable and Cheese Cigars prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special. They’re quick to prepare, visually appealing, and endlessly satisfying. Whether baked or fried, they deliver that perfect balance of crunch, melt, and flavor that makes an appetizer unforgettable.
Perfect for sharing, perfect for dipping, and perfect for the aperitif table—this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
If you’d like, I can also:
- Rewrite this in a more casual or more gourmet tone
- Convert it into a recipe card
- Shorten it for social media or packaging
- Adapt it to air fryer instructions
Crispy Vegetable and Cheese Cigars
