Flaky Puff Pastry Bites with Cheese, Bacon & Dill
A Quick & Irresistible Appetizer for Any Occasion!
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Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 x 400g sheets of puff pastry (store-bought works great)
- 3–4 teaspoons mustard (adjust to your taste)
- 150g hard mozzarella, thinly sliced or grated
- 200g bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 150g ketchup (for spreading or dipping)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- A bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Assemble the Base
Place one puff pastry sheet on the lined baking sheet. Spread mustard evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle on half of the mozzarella, followed by half the bacon and dill.
3. Layer It Up
Gently lay the second pastry sheet on top and press down lightly to seal. Spread the remaining mustard over the top layer, then add the rest of the cheese, bacon, and dill.
4. Add a Glossy Finish
Brush the top pastry with the beaten egg. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface into squares or rectangles—don’t cut all the way through. This helps guide your slices after baking.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and puffed. Let it cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve warm with a side of ketchup—or your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations to Try
- Smoky Twist: Swap mozzarella for smoked cheese or sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Kick: Mix some hot sauce or sriracha into the mustard base.
- Meaty Upgrades: Try prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni instead of bacon.
- Veggie Delight: Omit bacon and load up with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Herb Swap: Use thyme, oregano, or chives for a fresh flavor variation.
- Mustard Alternatives: Not a mustard fan? Try pesto or garlic butter for the base.
Helpful Tips
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly so the pastry doesn’t become sticky. If needed, chill it briefly before baking.
- Extra-Crispy Bacon: Oven-bake your bacon for the best crunch and consistency in texture.
- Even Baking: Rotate the tray halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
- Press to Flatten: If the pastry puffs unevenly, gently press it down with a spatula while still warm.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving—it softens the pastry.
Freezer (Unbaked): Wrap the unbaked, assembled pastry tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Make Ahead Tip: Cook and chop bacon in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also grate the cheese ahead of time to speed up assembly.
Final Thoughts
These cheesy puff pastry bites are the kind of snack that disappear within minutes. They’re flaky, rich, and full of savory goodness—with the perfect balance of cheesy, herby, and crispy in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a casual hangout, a party, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
It’s simple, versatile, and endlessly customizable—once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your go-to snack list for life.