These cheesy bacon and sweet potato pastry bites are rich, creamy and irresistible. Try to just eat 1! They’re the perfect appetizer for Christmas dinner or your next holiday potluck.
Disclaimer: This recipe is a submission for a blogger recipe challenge. As such, I was sent the cheese for free for use in this recipe.
When I was in 4th grade my teacher did a unit all about London. I was enamored by all things British. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, red phone booths, I wanted to see it all! Day in and day out I fantasized about what it would be like to visit.
My love of travel, especially international travel has been strong ever since then. You can learn so much about a culture or a place through its food.
So why am I telling you about my love of travel and what does it have to do with these cheesy bacon and sweet potato pastry bites?
This recipe is actually a submission for Queso Mahon Menorca’s blogger recipe challenge. This cheese brand is unique to the Menorca region of Spain and the produce cheeses that are all aged for different time frames, enhancing their flavor.
So I need your help…Can you guys promise to send some positive vibes our way and also give this recipe a try?!
Shapes Galore
As you can see from the pictures, there is no right size or shape to make these bacon and sweet potato bites. It all depends on the size crowd you’re feeding.
Small dinner party: If you’re trying to impress a smaller crowd, you should consider one long tart that you can cut into cute slices or large triangles.
- If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can do a lattice design for the top of the tart. I missed the opportunity, but you certainly don’t have to.
- If you want to try out the lattice, check out this handy video from Co-Op Food on “How to Lattice Pastry“
- Don’t have the time or patience for a lattice design? No worries, it will be just as delicious in any other shape : )
- If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can do a lattice design for the top of the tart. I missed the opportunity, but you certainly don’t have to.
Holiday Potlucks: It’s that time of year when everyone is asking you to bring crowd-friendly food somewhere.
- For these occasions, I recommend making 3 in x 3 in (roughly the size of a post-it note) sized squares filled with this bacon and sweet potato goodness. This size is perfect for eating on the go or small talk.
- If this is for an office party, microwave them for about 45 seconds before serving. This ensures that the filling stays nice and warm but the pastry still holds its shape.
Christmas Dinner: You can make a wreath shaped pastry garnished with puff pastry leaves and winter berries
- Step 1: Place a round plate on top of the pastry dough
- Step 2: Use a knife to trace the outer rim of the plate creating a circle shape (save the excess pastry scraps)
- Step 3: Repeat with the 2nd sheet of dough
- Step 4: Use a coffee mug to trace and cut a circle shape out of the middle of 1 sheet of dough
- Step 5: Follow recipes instructions below for filling and sealing tips
- Bonus: Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut cute shapes out of the scrap pastry. Use egg wash to stick the shapes onto the wreath
Spread the cheer
This time of year is inundated with all things Christmas. Commercials about layaway for gifts, a slew of TV only Christmas movies with actors we haven’t seen since the 90’s and radio stations dedicated solely to Christmas music. It can be a lot!
While I personally enjoy Christmas and get excited for it each year, I know all it’s pub can be overwhelming.
If Christmas isn’t your jam, don’t sweat it, you can still enjoy these tasty treats! These bacon sweet potato bites can make a great addition to any Kosher, Halal or Vegan holiday table, with a few simple changes.
- Here are some swaps you can make:
- Puff Pastry →Kosher Puff Pastry
- Pork Bacon→Turkey Bacon
- Pork Bacon→Soy Bacon or Soy Chorizo
- Cheese→ Cashew Cheese or Vegan Cheese
P.S. These would taste good on a Tuesday night too! Don’t just limit yourself to eating them around the holiday season. Go on, live a little, you deserve it!
This recipe is ooey-goey and totally indulgent because that’s what this time of year is all about.
If you’re looking for healthier recipes to get you through the rest of the year(like I usually make), subscribe for weekly recipes below this post : )
Addictive Bacon and Sweet Potato Pastry Bites
Rate this Recipe:Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika I used Spanish paprika
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Mahon cheeses (blend of all 3 flavors), shredded If you can't get your hands on this Spanish cheese, you can use a mix of cheddar, parmesan and bleu cheese (equal parts of each)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add bacon to the pan, stir and let cook for 2-3 minutes (the pan should start to fill with melty bacon fat). While the bacon is still slightly soft, not crispy, add in the onions. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until onions are translucent and tender. Add grated sweet potato to the pan, cooking 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times to keep the potatoes from sticking to the pan.
- Turn off the heat on the skillet. Add in smoked paprika, dried cranberries, cheese, salt and pepper. Stir and set filling aside.
- Pre-heat oven to recommended temperature for your puff pastry brand (likely 375 or 400 degrees).
- Lay down one sheet of puff pastry on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Crack the egg into a bowl. Add a tbs of water to the egg and lightly beat with a fork. Place the filling in the middle of the pastry and spread out, leaving about an inch on each side. Brush the egg along the exposed edges of the pastry. Place the other sheet of puff pastry on the on the top. Use a fork to seal the edges together on all sides. Tip: If the fork press and seal looks messy, you can run a pizza cutter along the edges to get ride of the messy dough.
- Brush the top of the tart with and even layer off egg. Sprinkle the top of the pastry with 1/4 cup of extra cheese (optional). Bake for about 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Enjoy!
No Comments