Description
Mini Sausage Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
300g ground sausage
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the filling: In a skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Let it cool slightly.
3. Cut the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size.
4. Assemble the bites: Place a small spoonful of the cooked sausage mixture onto the center of half the pastry squares. Top with the remaining pastry squares and press the edges to seal.
5. Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush the tops of the pastry bites with beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
6. Bake: Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm as an appetizer or snack. Perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bites every time. First, ensure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold for easier handling. While the oven preheats, cook the sausage filling until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat and let it cool completely; a warm filling will make the pastry soggy. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry sheet to smooth the seams and slightly thin it. Use a pizza cutter to cut into 24 equal squares. Place a heaped teaspoon of cooled filling in the center of half the squares. Brush a little water around the edges, top with a second pastry square, and press firmly with a fork to seal. Chill the assembled bites for 10 minutes before baking for maximum puff.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bites are fantastic served warm on a platter with dipping sauces like whole-grain mustard, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool chive sour cream. For a brunch spread, pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. To elevate them for a party, insert a decorative toothpick into each bite and garnish the platter with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs. They also make a great packed lunch treat when cooled completely.
How-to Summary
In short: Thaw pastry. Cook sausage with onion, garlic, and spices, then cool. Cut pastry into squares, fill, seal, and brush with egg wash. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the bites, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage crumble work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
My pastry didn’t puff much. Why? The filling was likely too warm or the pastry was over-handled, warming the butter. Ensure everything is cool and seal edges well to trap steam.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Can I make them smaller for one-bite appetizers? Yes, use a small round cutter for mini circles, or cut the sheet into 48 squares for tiny, elegant bites, reducing bake time slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm sausage filling, which melts the pastry butter prematurely and prevents a good rise.
- Overfilling the bites, causing them to burst open during baking.
- Not sealing the edges properly, allowing the filling to leak.
- Skipping the egg wash, which gives the bites a pale, less appetizing finish.
- Baking on an unlined or greased sheet, which can cause sticking or uneven browning.
Conclusion
These Mini Sausage Puff Pastry Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining flaky, buttery pastry with a savory, seasoned sausage filling. Their simplicity belies their impressive appearance, making them perfect for everything from casual game days to festive holiday parties. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can reliably create a delicious treat that will disappear from the plate as quickly as you make them. Happy baking and entertaining!