Savory Puff Pastry Bites: A French Delight for Every Occasion

These savory puff pastry bites are the perfect blend of light, flaky puff pastry and rich, flavorful fillings. Inspired by classic French hors d’oeuvres, this recipe offers endless versatility, allowing you to customize with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for parties, picnics, or even as a quick snack, these little bites are sure to impress. Whether you go for cheese, vegetables, or a more decadent filling like ham or smoked salmon, these puff pastry bites will be the star of your appetizer table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Cheese filling:
    • 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
    • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
    • A pinch of black pepper
  • Ham & mustard filling:
    • 4 slices of thin ham, chopped
    • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 tbsp honey
  • Spinach & feta filling:
    • 1/2 cup cooked spinach (drained well)
    • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the puff pastry:
    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, and cut it into small squares (about 2 inches per side).
  2. Create the fillings:
    • Cheese filling: In a small bowl, mix grated cheese, chives, and black pepper.
    • Ham & mustard filling: Mix chopped ham, Dijon mustard, and honey in a bowl.
    • Spinach & feta filling: Combine the drained spinach, feta, and garlic.
  3. Assemble the bites:
    • Place a small spoonful of your desired filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
    • Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal tightly.
    • For an elegant look, crimp the edges with a fork.
  4. Egg wash:
    • In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it lightly over the top of each puff pastry bite to give it a golden, shiny finish.
  5. Bake:
    • Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
  6. Serve:
    • Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, either as an appetizer or a party snack!

Variations:

  • Mushroom & thyme: Sauté mushrooms with fresh thyme for a deliciously earthy filling.
  • Tomato & basil: Add sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.

These puff pastry bites are an absolute crowd-pleaser and can be adapted to suit any palate or occasion.

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