Cheesy Puff Pastry Bake with Bacon and Herbs

Cheesy Puff Pastry Bake with Bacon and Herbs

Ingredients:

• • Puff pastry – 700 g

• • Cream cheese – 200 g
  • Garlic – 10 g (about 2-3 cloves, minced)
  • Feta cheese – 100 g

• • Cheese (cheddar or gouda) – 300 g, grated
  • Parsley – 30 g (about 1/4 cup, chopped)
  • Egg – 1 large

• • Mozzarella – 70 g, shredded
  • Bacon – 100 g, cooked and crumbled
  • Rosemary – 10 g (about 1 tablespoon, chopped)

• • 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:

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • • 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.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • • 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.

3. Assemble the Pastry:
   • • 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.
4. Bake the Pastry:
   • • 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.
5. Prepare the Bacon and Cream Sauce:
   • • While the puff pastry is baking, cook the bacon (100g) in a pan until crispy. Remove and crumble.
   • • 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.

6. Serve:
   • • 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.

Serving Suggestions:

• • 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:

• • 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:

• • 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.