Go Back
freshly baked Rustico Leccese pastries on a wooden board

Rustico Leccese (Puff Pastry with Béchamel, Tomato & Mozzarella)

Rustico Leccese is a beloved street snack from Lecce, Italy — flaky golden puff pastry filled with creamy béchamel, thick tomato passata, and melted mozzarella. Warm, comforting, and perfectly portable.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, Puglia Region
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the pastry
  • 2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry keep 1 extra for backup
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
For the béchamel sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup 240 ml whole milk, warm
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
For the filling
  • 1 cup tomato passata or thick marinara sauce
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cubed and well-drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Make the béchamel.
  1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a paste-like sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cool completely before using.
Prepare the tomato sauce.
  1. If the passata is thin, simmer it for 5–10 minutes until it clings to a spoon. Cool slightly.
Cut the pastry discs.
  1. Work with cold dough. Cut out larger base circles (about 10 cm) and slightly smaller tops (about 8 cm). You can use pastry rings or cups as guides.
Assemble the rustici.
  1. Place a base disc on a parchment-lined tray. Brush lightly with egg. Spoon a small amount of béchamel in the center, top with a few mozzarella cubes, then a teaspoon of thick passata. Don’t overfill and leave a clean edge all around.
Seal and chill.
  1. Place a smaller pastry disc on top, pressing gently around the filling (not the rim). Brush the top with egg wash. Chill the assembled pastries in the fridge for 45–60 minutes before baking. This step helps them puff nicely and keeps the filling inside.
Bake.
  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F. Bake for 15–25 minutes, depending on size, until golden brown and puffed.
Serve.
  1. Let them rest for a few minutes so the filling sets. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Keep everything cold: puff pastry rises best when chilled.
  • Drain mozzarella very well to avoid soggy centers.
  • Simmer passata until thick for that perfect creamy-tangy balance.
  • You can prep these ahead — freeze unbaked and bake directly from frozen with 3–5 extra minutes.
  • Serve with espresso for an authentic Lecce-style treat! ☕️