Cheesy Puff Pastry Bake with Bacon and Herbs
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
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- Puff pastry – 700 g
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- Cream cheese – 200 g
- Garlic – 10 g (about 2-3 cloves, minced)
- Feta cheese – 100 g
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- Cheese (cheddar or gouda) – 300 g, grated
- Parsley – 30 g (about 1/4 cup, chopped)
- Egg – 1 large
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- Mozzarella – 70 g, shredded
- Bacon – 100 g, cooked and crumbled
- Rosemary – 10 g (about 1 tablespoon, chopped)
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- Garlic (for sauce) – 2 cloves, minced
- Cooking cream – 200 g (about 3/4 cup)
- Black pepper – 2 g (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt – 2 g (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Mustard – 25 g (about 1 tablespoon)
Directions:
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
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- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, feta cheese, grated cheese (cheddar or gouda), and mozzarella. Mix in the minced garlic (10g) and chopped parsley (30g) until well combined. Set aside.
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- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
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- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry (700g) on a floured surface. If using frozen puff pastry, make sure it is fully thawed. Cut the pastry into even portions, large enough to hold the cheese filling.
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- Assemble the Pastry:
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- Spoon the cheese mixture evenly onto the puff pastry pieces.
- Fold the puff pastry over the filling to seal it, crimping the edges with a fork. You can create small pockets or larger turnovers based on your preference.
- Brush the top of the puff pastry with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
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- Bake the Pastry:
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- Place the filled puff pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
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- Prepare the Bacon and Cream Sauce:
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- While the puff pastry is baking, cook the bacon (100g) in a pan until crispy. Remove and crumble.
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- In the same pan, add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and chopped rosemary (10g). Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cooking cream (200g), mustard (25g), salt (2g), and black pepper (2g) to the pan. Stir and cook the sauce on low heat until it thickens slightly.
- Add the crumbled bacon back into the sauce and stir.
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- Serve:
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- Once the puff pastry is baked and golden, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Serve the baked puff pastry with the creamy bacon and herb sauce drizzled over or as a dipping sauce on the side.
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Serving Suggestions:
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- Serve as a hearty appetizer or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus for a balanced plate.
- Add extra fresh herbs like basil or chives on top for added flavor and freshness.
Cooking Tips:
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- For a crispier puff pastry, make sure it’s cold when you work with it and avoid overfilling, as this can cause the pastry to become soggy.
- To save time, cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
- You can substitute cooking cream with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Benefits:
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- Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein.
- Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, offering antioxidant benefits.
- Garlic is known for its potential heart health benefits and immune-boosting properties.