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If you’re craving a quick and delicious savory treat, these Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites are the perfect answer. Golden puff pastry filled with a rich bacon, onion, and tomato filling, topped with creamy mozzarella and baked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. The bites are finished with a glossy egg yolk wash and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, giving them a beautiful golden color and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, snacks, or a light meal, these pastry bites are sure to impress with their flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites are the ultimate combination of flaky pastry, smoky bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese. The savory tomato filling adds richness, while the sesame seeds give a delightful crunch. Best of all, they’re quick to make and easy to customize to your taste. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy evening snack, these bites are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredient Notes for Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites:
- Puff Pastry: This is the key to getting a crispy, flaky texture. Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly, just ensure it’s well-chilled before use to achieve the best results.
- Bacon Cubes : The bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to the filling. Using cubes gives a nice bite, but you can also use finely chopped strips if preferred. Be sure to cook until slightly crispy for the best flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a touch of sweetness that complements the salty bacon and rich tomato filling.
- Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance the saltiness from the bacon. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for a slight kick.
- Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated, rich tomato flavor that forms the base of the sauce. It blends well with the bacon and onions.
- Strained Tomatoes : Adds moisture to the filling while creating a smooth, flavorful sauce. You can substitute with crushed tomatoes or passata if strained tomatoes aren’t available.
- Mozzarella Slices : Creamy and mild, mozzarella is the perfect melting cheese. It provides a gooey texture inside the puff pastry without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Egg Yolk: Brushing the tops of the puff pastry with egg yolk ensures a shiny, golden-brown finish after baking.
- Sesame Seeds: These add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, enhancing both the visual appeal and the taste of the pastry bites.
Tips for Perfect Pastry Bites:
- Keep the puff pastry cold: Working with cold puff pastry ensures it stays flaky and puffs up nicely in the air fryer. If it softens too much while working, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Air fryer alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these in a conventional oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. Add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor, or substitute the bacon with ham or sausage for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer or Snack: Serve these Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites as an appetizer at gatherings or parties. They’re perfect for finger food and pair well with a dipping sauce, such as marinara, garlic aioli, or even a tangy mustard dip.
- Light Meal: These bites can also be enjoyed as a light meal, especially when served alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit platter for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or conventional oven to restore the crispiness before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pastry bites by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, no need to thaw — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the pastry soggy.
Other Puff Patry Recipes You’ll Love
Brie and Pear Puff Pastry Tart
Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart
Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites
Puff Pastry Bacon Mozzarella Bites are crispy, golden pockets filled with smoky bacon, sautéed onion, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Topped with sesame seeds and baked to perfection, these savory bites are ideal as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Easy to prepare and air-fried for a quick, flaky finish, they're a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
Equipment
- Small bowl for egg yolk wash
- Brush for egg wash
- Spoon for filling
- Fork for sealing edges
- Baking Sheet if using conventional oven
Ingredients
- 1 Sheet Puff pastry
- 125 g Bacon cubes
- 1 onion finely chopped
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup strained tomatoes about 60 grams
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg yolk for egg wash
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- In a medium pan, cook the bacon cubes over medium heat until they start to brown and release their fat. Add the finely chopped onion and season with black pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste and strained tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal pieces. Place two of the pieces on a work surface.
- Spoon a generous amount of the bacon filling onto the center of each of the two pastry pieces. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the filling.
- Place the remaining two pastry pieces on top of the filled ones. Press the edges down with a fork to seal. Cut each piece in half to form four individual bites.
- Brush the tops of each pastry with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the pastry bites in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal
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