Mini bites: the simple and ingenious idea to make them in a few minutes!
A roll of puff pastry… it’s one of the most versatile things you can have in the freezer—it’s affordable, and you can use it to make both savory and sweet treats! If you have puff pastry on hand, you’ll find it’s hardly any effort to make delicious bites at the drop of a hat. And these Mini Bites will become your new favorite appetizer. They’re light and fluffy and can be filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients. In this recipe, two layers of puff pastry are filled with a mixture of cream cheese, pickles, and ham, then baked until golden. They’re super easy to make and can be served as a snack or appetizer, making them perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks.
Mini Bites Variations
There are many ways to make this recipe your own! If you don’t want to use cream cheese with ham and pickles, use any of the following combinations:
- sundried tomatoes and cream cheese
- spinach and feta
- smoked chicken and feta
- tuna and roasted red pepper
Tips
The puff pastry should be completely thawed so it’s pliable enough to roll out but still cold. The best is to leave it to thaw overnight in the fridge instead of leaving it on the kitchen counter at room temperature.
If the pastry is too warm, it won’t puff enough. To make sure you get a nice puff, make sure not to skip the refrigeration step!
The oven should be hot (preheated to 180°). If you see the pastry squares brown too quickly, you can place a sheet of foil loosely on top.
How to Store Mini Bites
Store the mini bites in an airtight container (in the fridge) for up to 2 days. Reheat the pastries in the oven to make them crispy again.
Can You Freeze Mini Bites
Yes, the mini bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the pastry squares to cool completely, then wrap them with plastic wrap. Transfer the wrapped puff pastry squares to a freezer bag for freezing.
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Instructions
Grate the gherkins/pickles using the coarse side of a grater.
Grate the ham and add into a small mixing bowl with cream cheese.
Spread the mixture over a sheet of puff pastry.
Place another puff pastry sheet on top.
Press the puff pastry down with the oven rack.
Repeat turning the grid 90° to create square indentations.
Cut the puff pastry into squares using a pizza cutter.
Brush the pastry squares with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Serve and Enjoy!
