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These bacon and comté bites will totally wow your friends at any get-together. They're super easy but loaded with flavor. People can't stop grabbing these flaky little snacks whenever I set them out.
I've been throwing these together for ages when friends come over. The first time, everybody kept asking how I made them. Now, I can’t imagine a family hangout without them.
Tasty Ingredients
- Freshly ground black pepper: Fresh grinding adds way more aroma than pre-ground
- 2 fresh eggs: Eggs make the filling creamy and help it all stick together
- 100 ml thick crème fraîche: Thicker cream makes the filling extra rich
- Pinch of ground nutmeg: Just a little brings out a nice twist in the taste
- 200 g thick-cut smoked bacon: Go for chunks with the right amount of fat for best flavor
- 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry: If you use homemade pastry, it'll turn out even crispier
- 150 g aged comté cheese, shredded: Pick one aged at least a year for a bolder bite
Simple Step-by-Step
- Try them while warm:
- After coming out of the oven, let the bites cool for a few minutes so you don't burn your mouth. You can serve them warm or just slightly cool. Pile them up on a pretty dish and don't forget the napkins—these disappear in a flash.
- Bake and put it together:
- Set your pastry circles on a tray lined with parchment, leaving space for rising. Top each with crispy bacon, then add a big spoonful of the cheesy egg mix. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye until they're golden and just bubbling in the middle.
- Make the filling:
- Crack the eggs into a big bowl and beat them a bit before stirring in thick cream. Toss in the shredded comté, grind in pepper, and sprinkle in some nutmeg. Stir until everything mixes into a smooth, creamy blend.
- Prep everything first:
- Turn your oven on to 180°C. Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface. Use a glass or cookie cutter to cut out round shapes. Next, toss your bacon in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden and a little crunchy.
The comté really steals the show here. I love using one that's been aged a year and a half—the nutty, salty flavor is so good. I even remember hosting a last-minute party and these bites totally saved it. People just couldn't stop coming back for more.
Make-Ahead Tips And Keeping Fresh
If you want to plan ahead, get everything ready the day before. Keep your pastry circles in the fridge, separated by baking paper, and the cheesy filling tight in a container. Day of, just build them and pop them in the oven. Any leftovers will crisp right back up after a quick five minutes at 150°C.
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Yummy Variations
For a flavor swap, mix in emmental, Gruyère, or try some strong blue cheese instead. Bacon not your thing? Use ham bits, cooked chicken pieces, or fry up mushrooms for a veggie-friendly option. Let your imagination run wild.
Easy Pairing Suggestions
These bites are awesome by themselves, but they're even better with a little green salad with sharp dressing for a chill lunch. For snacks and drinks, toss in some cherry tomatoes, marinated olives, and maybe pour a glass of cold dry white wine. Chablis or Sancerre goes great with the comté taste.
Pro Tricks
- Stab the pastry a couple times with a fork before filling so it won't puff up too much
- For party-perfect one-bite snacks, use a tiny cutter for even smaller rounds
- Chop up some fresh chives and toss on top before serving for extra flavor and a pop of color
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make these bites crunchier?
Ensure your puff pastry is chilled, and don't overload the filling to keep the dough from getting soggy.
- → Can I swap the cheese for something else?
Sure, gruyere or emmental work just fine, though comté gives it a more intense flavor boost.
- → Can these be prepped in advance?
It's best to bake them just before serving for maximum crunch, but feel free to prep the filling and pastry beforehand.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives to lardons?
Definitely! Try using diced roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free option.
- → What can I serve alongside these bites?
A light green salad is a great pairing, adding a fresh contrast to these flavorful bites.