This Savory Puff Pastry Bake with Cheese and Bacon combines flaky puff pastry with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice. Topped with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is both comforting and flavorful. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a savory appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 500 g (about 4 cups) puff pastry
- 2 tbsp flour (for dusting)
- 100 g (7 tbsp) butter, melted
- 100 g (½ cup) rice (optional, to create a more filling base)
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream (33%)
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 40 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 70 g (2.5 oz) bacon, chopped
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheese (your choice)
- 70 g (2.5 oz) ham, chopped
- 100 g (3½ oz) spinach
- 50 ml (3 tbsp) heavy cream
- 100 g (7–8) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and line a baking dish or tray with it.
- In a pan, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, paprika, basil, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cooked rice (if using), melted butter, Parmesan, shredded cheese, chopped ham, and spinach to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared puff pastry.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes on top of the mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- After 20 minutes, remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional cheese and sesame seeds, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad for added freshness.
- Pair with a light soup, such as a tomato or vegetable soup.
- Slice into small squares for appetizers at your next gathering.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea for a refreshing meal.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Cooking Tips:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry.
- Feel free to swap the bacon with turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions to make it more colorful and nutritious.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the edges of the pastry with an egg wash before baking.
- Use a variety of cheeses to experiment with different flavor combinations.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in protein from eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from spinach and tomatoes.
- The cream adds a source of healthy fats.
- Provides a good amount of calcium from the cheese and Parmesan.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy
- Contains gluten (unless using gluten-free puff pastry)
- Can be made low-carb by omitting the rice
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes for best results.
- You can freeze the prepared pastry (before baking) for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes of cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Savory Puff Pastry Bake is the perfect comfort food. With its crispy pastry, creamy cheese, savory bacon, and fresh spinach, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds a burst of freshness, making it an irresistible meal. Plus, the recipe is versatile, so you can easily swap in your favorite ingredients.
Conclusion:
This Savory Puff Pastry Bake with Cheese and Bacon is a simple yet delicious dish that combines rich flavors in every bite. It’s a great way to enjoy the versatility of puff pastry while indulging in a cheesy, savory filling. Whether for brunch, lunch, or as a quick dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and will surely impress anyone who tries it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the bacon and ham and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. - Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry and filling, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pastry for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time. - What can I substitute for rice in this recipe?
You can use quinoa, couscous, or omit the rice entirely for a lower-carb version. - Can I use a dairy-free cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for the heavy cream. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free version. - How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Brush the edges of the pastry with an egg wash or melted butter before baking for a golden, crispy finish. - Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other veggies of your choice. - How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. You can adjust the portion size based on your needs