A turnover is a type of pastry that consists of a filling wrapped in a folded piece of dough. The dough is typically made from a flaky, buttery pastry crust and can be either sweet or savory. Turnovers are a popular handheld pastry found in many cuisines around the world.
The origins of the turnover can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where similar pastries were filled with various ingredients and baked. In France, the sweet version known as the "chausson" (typically filled with fruit preserves) dates to at least the 17th century. "Pâté chaud," a savory, meat-filled turnover associated with Vietnamese bakeries, is a separate, much later variant that developed during the French colonial period and is not the same dish as the French chausson. The name "turnover" likely comes from the method of folding the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
In cooking, turnovers are typically made by rolling out a circle of pastry dough, placing a portion of filling in the center, and then folding the dough over to enclose the filling. The edges are then crimped or sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Turnovers can be baked or fried, and are often brushed with an egg wash before baking to give them a golden, shiny crust.
Turnovers are a versatile pastry that can be filled with a wide range of sweet or savory ingredients. Common sweet fillings include fruit preserves, sweetened cream cheese, or chocolate. Savory fillings might include meat, vegetables, cheese, or a combination of these. Turnovers are often served as a snack, appetizer, or dessert, and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
Culturally, turnovers hold significance in many cuisines. In Scotland, the Cornish pasty is a type of savory turnover filled with meat and vegetables. In Latin America, empanadas are a popular turnover-like pastry filled with a variety of ingredients. In the United States, the apple turnover is a classic dessert item, while in the Middle East, the baklava turnover is a popular pastry.
Turnovers can be made at home using homemade or store-bought pastry dough. They can also be purchased pre-made from bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores. When making turnovers at home, it's important to use a high-quality, flaky pastry dough and to properly seal the edges to prevent leakage during baking. Turnovers can be frozen and reheated for a quick and convenient snack or dessert.