Gather your family and friends and get cozy with a bottle of wine and a batch of these delicious pancetta and blue cheese puff pastry bites.

I’m enjoying every cold, brisk season to the fullest. One of the finest ways to take it all in, is to surround yourself with great conversation with friends and family, great wine and plenty of food.

My recipe inspiration today was the season itself, the colder months. I combined the flavors of tangy blue cheese and crispy pancetta into a lovely little finger-food appetizer. I started with a flaky puff pastry, then topped them off with sauteed shallots, crispy pancetta and finished with crumbles of blue cheese and toasted walnuts. They are great for get togethers big and small and pair beautifully with a glass of big red wine.

Blue Cheese Pancetta Puff Pastry Bites

Recipe Notes

Puff Pastry: For the best results, always keep your puff pastry as cold as possible until you’re ready to bake. This ensures that the pastry puffs up beautifully in the oven.
Blue Cheese Variations: Different blue cheeses can vary in intensity. If you prefer a milder flavor, you might consider using Gorgonzola or Cambozola. For a sharper taste, go for Roquefort or Stilton.
Shallots: Be patient while caramelizing the shallots; the slow cooking process draws out their natural sugars, giving them a sweet and savory flavor that’s integral to the dish.
Storing Leftovers: These bites are best consumed fresh out of the oven when the pastry is crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
Preparation Ahead: You can prepare the shallot and pancetta mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This can help streamline the process on the day of your event or gathering. You can also easily freeze the tarts at the stage just before baking. Once ready to make, allow to thaw for about 30 – 45 minutes and bake as directed. You may need to add 2 – 3 minutes to the baking time.

Blue Cheese Pancetta Puff Pastry Bites

Step by Step Guide to Making Pancetta and Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Bites with Caramelized Shallots

Preparing the Filling:

Cook the Pancetta:

- - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  - Add the chopped pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 – 8 minutes.
  - Once crispy, transfer the pancetta to a plate, leaving the oil in the skillet.

Caramelize the Shallots:

- - - In the same skillet with the oil, add the sliced shallots.
    - Sauté them until they’re soft and begin to turn golden, approximately 8 – 10 minutes.
    - Remove from heat and combine the crispy pancetta back with the shallots. Set this mixture aside.

Toast the Walnuts:

- - - In a separate dry skillet, toast the chopped walnuts for 3 – 5 minutes or until they start to show some color. Remove and set aside.

Assembling the Puff Pastry Bites:

Preheat the Oven:

- - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for later use.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

- - On a floured work surface, carefully unfold the puff pastry.
  - Gently roll it out to smoothen the folds.
  - Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Add Toppings:

- - On each pastry square, place a tablespoon of the shallot and pancetta mixture.
  - Follow this with a pinch of crumbled blue cheese.
  - Sprinkle a few toasted walnuts on top.

Baking:

- - Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 – 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry edges begin to turn golden.

Serving:

- - Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
  - Serve warm.

Pancetta and Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Bites with Caramelized Shallots

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Stacey Doyle
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 18-20 bites 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Gather your family and friends and get cozy with a bottle of wine and a batch of these delicious pancetta and blue cheese puff pastry bites.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 tbsp olive oil
4 oz pancetta (chopped)
2 cups about 12 – 15 large shallots, sliced
1 puff pastry sheet
1/2 cup walnuts (roughly chopped and toasted)
2 – 3 oz blue cheese crumbles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preparing the Filling:

Cook the Pancetta:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5 – 8 minutes.
- Once crispy, transfer the pancetta to a plate, leaving the oil in the skillet.
Caramelize the Shallots:
- In the same skillet with the oil, add the sliced shallots.
- Sauté them until they’re soft and begin to turn golden, approximately 8 – 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and combine the crispy pancetta back with the shallots. Set this mixture aside.
Toast the Walnuts:
- In a separate dry skillet, toast the chopped walnuts for 3 – 5 minutes or until they start to show some color. Remove and set aside.

Assembling the Puff Pastry Bites: 4. Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for later use.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a floured work surface, carefully unfold the puff pastry.
- Gently roll it out to smoothen the folds.
- Cut the pastry into 2-inch squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Add Toppings:
- On each pastry square, place a tablespoon of the shallot and pancetta mixture.
- Follow this with a pinch of crumbled blue cheese.
- Sprinkle a few toasted walnuts on top.
Baking:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 – 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry edges begin to turn golden.
Serving:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Serve warm

Notes

Puff Pastry: For the best results, always keep your puff pastry as cold as possible until you’re ready to bake. This ensures that the pastry puffs up beautifully in the oven.
Blue Cheese Variations: Different blue cheeses can vary in intensity. If you prefer a milder flavor, you might consider using Gorgonzola or Cambozola. For a sharper taste, go for Roquefort or Stilton.
Shallots: Be patient while caramelizing the shallots; the slow cooking process draws out their natural sugars, giving them a sweet and savory flavor that’s integral to the dish.
Storing Leftovers: These bites are best consumed fresh out of the oven when the pastry is crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
Preparation Ahead: You can prepare the shallot and pancetta mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This can help streamline the process on the day of your event or gathering. You can also easily freeze the tarts at the stage just before baking. Once ready to make, allow to thaw for about 30 – 45 minutes and bake as directed. You may need to add 2 – 3 minutes to the baking time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Italian