Why I Love This Recipe
This Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s incredibly simple to make, and yet the result is absolutely delicious. The combination of crispy, buttery puff pastry, savory bacon, and melted cheddar cheese is irresistible. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these mouth-watering treats ready in no time. These are perfect for an appetizer, snack, or even a fun breakfast, and the Nigella seeds add an extra touch of flavor and texture that makes these bites truly special. You’ll love how flaky, crispy, and full of flavor these little pockets of goodness are!
Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 x Jus-Rol Ready Rolled Puff Pastry Sheet
- 1 x Pack of Bacon (preferably streaky)
- 1 x Egg
- 1 handful of Grated Cheddar Cheese
- Nigella seeds (for sprinkling)
- Optional: Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry:
Begin by cutting the ready-rolled puff pastry sheet into squares. Depending on the size of your squares, you can make as many bites as you like, but I recommend aiming for around 8 to 10 pieces. - Assemble the Bites:
Lay a single rasher of bacon diagonally across each puff pastry square, from corner to corner. Ensure the bacon is centered so it covers most of the pastry. - Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese on top of the bacon. This will melt beautifully into the pastry as it bakes. - Fold and Seal:
Fold the two exposed corners of the pastry toward the center to form a pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal the pastry, ensuring the filling is well enclosed. - Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the surface of each pastry bite. This will give them a golden, glossy finish once baked. - Sprinkle Nigella Seeds:
Sprinkle Nigella seeds (also known as black cumin) over the top of each pastry bite. They will add a subtle crunch and a slightly oniony flavor that complements the cheese and bacon perfectly. - Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the pastry bites in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry for about 11 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving. These bites are best enjoyed while they’re still warm and crispy.
Tips & Tricks
- Bacon Selection: Use streaky bacon for the best flavor, as it crisps up nicely and adds a bit of richness. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Mozzarella, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- Nigella Seeds: Don’t skip the Nigella seeds – they add a unique flavor that’s slightly peppery and oniony, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a similar texture.
- Puff Pastry Tips: Make sure to pinch the edges well so that the filling doesn’t escape while cooking. Also, try not to overfill the pockets – a little bit of bacon and cheese goes a long way.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble these puff pastry bites ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and air fry them when you’re ready to eat. They make a great meal prep snack!
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: These puff pastry bites are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing. You can even serve them alongside a fresh salad for a more complete meal.
- Customizing the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the fillings! Add a scrambled egg inside for a breakfast twist, or add a little sausage for extra flavor. You could even add some spinach or tomato for a veggie boost.
- Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of your bacon and the size of your pastry squares, the cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Storage
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (though they’re likely to disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: These puff pastry bites freeze really well. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them back in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to reheat and crisp them up.
FAQs
1. Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake these puff pastry bites in a regular oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
2. Can I use a different type of pastry?
While puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, you could use shortcrust pastry as an alternative. However, keep in mind the texture will be different – less flaky but still delicious.
3. How can I make these vegetarian?
Swap out the bacon for veggie bacon or use mushrooms as a filling. You can also go for a cheese-only version, and add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
4. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry bites and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. Just bake or air fry when you’re ready to enjoy!
These Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are the ultimate combination of flaky, savory, and cheesy. With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have these little treats ready to go in no time. Perfect for any occasion – snack time, appetizers, or a quick breakfast
