Description
Delicious caramelized onion and goat cheese bites made with flaky puff pastry, sweet and tangy caramelized red onions, creamy goat cheese, and fresh thyme. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or party snack, these bites are baked to golden perfection and optionally served with peppery arugula.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted
Caramelized Onions
- 3 red onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil, for cooking
Toppings and Garnish
- 100 gr soft goat cheese
- 1 twig fresh thyme, leaves only
- 25 gr arugula (optional)
- 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat a skillet over low heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the sliced red onions and cook slowly for 10-15 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Then add the brown sugar or balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for a few more minutes to allow the onions to caramelize and develop a rich flavor. Remove from heat once caramelized.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 200˚C (400˚F) to prepare for baking the bites.
- Prepare the puff pastry rounds: Using a 7 cm round cutter, cut out several rounds from the defrosted puff pastry sheet. Use a slightly smaller cutter to press lightly inside each round without cutting all the way through, creating a border. Prick the center of each round a few times with a fork to prevent excessive puffing in the middle.
- Assemble the bites: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the caramelized onion mixture into the center of each prepared puff pastry round. Crumble soft goat cheese evenly over the onion topping on each bite. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic finish.
- Bake the bites: Place the prepared bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the edges lightly with the whisked egg for a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Optionally garnish with fresh arugula before serving these savory, elegant bites warm.
Notes
- Use either brown sugar or balsamic vinegar for caramelizing onions, but not both simultaneously to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed for easy cutting and to achieve best puff.
- Pricking the center of pastry rounds prevents excessive puffing and helps hold the filling.
- For a sharper flavor, add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving if desired.
- These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (approx. 30 grams)
- Calories: 233
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 133mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.003g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
