These Savoury Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a touch of tangy tomato sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging in a cozy snack, these bites are guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Bites
Quick and Easy: Minimal preparation with maximum flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: The perfect appetizer or finger food for any occasion.
Versatile: You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients Breakdown
Puff Pastry and Filling
800g Puff Pastry: Provides the buttery, flaky base.
100g Tomato Sauce: Adds a tangy layer of flavor to balance the richness.
200g Bacon: Diced and cooked to crispy perfection.
100g Spring Onion: For a mild, fresh onion flavor.
100g Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the savory taste with a nutty, salty touch.
Seasoning and Topping
5g Salt: Balances the flavors.
5g Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
5g Sweet Paprika: Brings a subtle sweetness and smoky flavor.
1 Egg, beaten: For brushing, ensures a golden, glossy finish.
Butter: To grease the baking sheet.
How to Make Savoury Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
Crispy bacon
Chopped spring onions
Grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato sauce
Salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika
Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 3mm thickness. Cut into squares (10cm x 10cm) or use a circular cutter for a different shape.
Step 5: Fill the Pastry
Place a spoonful of the bacon mixture in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make sealing tricky.
Step 6: Seal the Edges
Fold the pastry over to create a pocket (triangle or half-moon shape, depending on your cuts). Press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg. This step ensures they bake to a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the filled pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
Keep the Pastry Cold: Work with cold puff pastry to maintain its structure and achieve flakiness.
Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst open during baking.
Prep Ahead: Assemble the bites and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is great for parties!
Customize the Filling: Swap Parmesan for cheddar, add diced mushrooms, or include herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them:
Dipping Sauces: Pair with marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
Charcuterie Board Addition: Add these bites to a platter of cheeses, meats, and fresh fruits.
Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced snack or light meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
Freeze: These bites can be frozen before baking. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why These Bites Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick snack, Savoury Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are a hit. The buttery pastry combined with the savory bacon, cheese, and a touch of spice creates a flavor explosion in every bite. They’re elegant enough for parties yet simple enough for a casual treat.
Conclusion
Next time you’re in need of a delectable appetizer or snack, try these Savoury Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!