Crispy Cheese and Bacon Puff Pastry Snacks: A Flavor-Packed Appetizer

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The Ultimate Party Pleaser: Savory Puff Pastry Bites

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Crispy Cheese and Bacon Puff Pastry Bites. Combining the flakiness of puff pastry with a rich, savory filling, these appetizers are perfect for parties, game nights, or when you’re craving something deliciously indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 100g cream cheese
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 50g bacon, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 50g salami, diced
  • 50g grated cheese
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 1 small beetroot, grated
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For Finishing

  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions, garlic, and bacon until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Mix Filling Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, grated cheese, diced salami, basil, salt, grated beetroot, and sautéed bacon mixture. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Prepare the Pastry Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Dust work surface with flour and roll out puff pastry.
  4. Assemble the Pastries Cut pastry into desired shapes (squares or triangles). Spoon filling onto one half of each pastry piece.
  5. Seal and Finish Fold pastry over to create a sealed pocket. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
  6. Egg Wash Whisk egg and egg yolk together. Brush the top of each pastry with egg wash.
  7. Bake Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories per piece: Approximately 180
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 pieces

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  • Keep puff pastry cold until ready to use
  • Don’t overfill the pastry to prevent leaking
  • Use a sharp knife to create clean edges
  • Let pastries cool slightly before serving
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use vegetarian bacon or mushrooms for a meat-free version
  • Swap cream cheese with goat cheese
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
  • Use different herbs like thyme or oregano
  • Make mini versions for appetizers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare these in advance? Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving.

Q2: How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

Q3: Can I freeze these pastries? Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Q4: What if my pastry doesn’t puff up? Ensure oven is fully preheated and pastry is cold when going into the oven.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free? Use gluten-free puff pastry and flour for a similar result.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Cool completely before storing
  • Store in single layers to prevent sogginess
  • Reheat in oven for best texture
  • Best enjoyed fresh and warm
  • Can be made a few hours ahead of serving

Enjoy your delicious Crispy Cheese and Bacon Puff Pastry Snacks – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!