Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs: A Perfect Sweet and Savory Appetizer
Are you looking for a deliciously unique appetizer that combines savory and sweet elements? Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs is the perfect dish to add an elegant touch to your next gathering. The rich cream cheese and crumbled goat cheese provide a creamy base, while the crispy pancetta and toasted pecans bring a savory crunch. Sweet ripe pears give these puffs a unique twist, making them a hit for any occasion. You can serve these puffs as a delightful starter at dinner parties or enjoy them as an afternoon snack.
For more ideas on sophisticated appetizers, check out these fantastic cheese-based appetizers from Epicurious or explore more recipes with puff pastry at BBC Good Food.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs Recipe | Sweet and Savory Pastry Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 puffs (or more depending on your size of squares) 1x
Description
These Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs are a delicious and elegant appetizer that combines savory pancetta, sweet pear, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry shell. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or a special dinner. These bite-sized puffs are sure to impress your guests with both their flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese
- 3 tablespoons crumbled crisp pancetta or crumbled cooked bacon
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled ripe pear
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Unfold the thawed sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 9 equal squares (or desired size based on how large you want the puffs). Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Gently fold in the crumbled goat cheese, crumbled pancetta (or bacon), finely chopped pear, and toasted pecans. Stir until the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Puffs:
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the filling mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square.
- Fold the edges of the pastry slightly over the filling, leaving the center exposed to form little pockets or puffs. Press the edges gently to seal.
- Bake the Puffs:
- Place the baking sheet with the prepared puffs into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the puffs up to a day ahead, refrigerating them before baking. Just bake them fresh when ready to serve.
Customization: You can swap the pancetta for prosciutto or bacon if you prefer. Also, experiment with different types of cheese like Brie or goat cheese for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions: These puffs pair beautifully with a glass of white wine or a light cocktail. For a larger gathering, you could serve them alongside other savory appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs Recipe
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the puffs from sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough into squares, about 2-3 inches each. Arrange the squares on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for expansion as they bake.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Fold in the crumbled goat cheese to add a tangy flavor to the filling.
4. Assemble the Puffs:
Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Top each with a sprinkle of crumbled pancetta or cooked bacon, followed by finely chopped pear, toasted pecans, and a light drizzle of honey for added sweetness and flavor.
5. Bake the Puffs:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry has risen and turned golden brown. Keep an eye on the puffs to ensure they don’t burn, as puff pastry can cook quickly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the puffs to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a delicious and savory appetizer at your next gathering.
Advanced Techniques
1. Experiment with Different Cheeses:
While the recipe calls for fresh goat cheese, you can experiment with different cheese types depending on your preference. Soft cheeses such as brie or mascarpone could also be used for a creamier filling. Alternatively, sharp cheeses like blue cheese could give the puffs a more tangy flavor.
2. Add a Touch of Herbs:
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can elevate the flavor profile of your Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs. Simply chop the herbs finely and add them into the cream cheese filling or sprinkle them on top before baking.
3. Using Fresh vs. Pre-cooked Bacon:
If you prefer bacon over pancetta, it’s important to cook it until crispy. This ensures that the bacon stays crunchy and doesn’t lose texture when baked inside the puff pastry. Allow the bacon to cool slightly before crumbling it over the filling.
4. Pear Variations:
For a twist on the flavor, you can use other fruits such as apples or figs instead of pears. Both fruits pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese and salty pancetta, providing a similar balance of sweet and savory.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
1. Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 2-3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness.
2. Freezing:
If you want to prepare these puffs in advance, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked puffs. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1 hour before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
3. Serving Tip:
These puffs are best served warm and fresh from the oven. If you plan to serve them at a later time, consider reheating them to bring back their flaky texture.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
1. Gluten-Free Option:
If you need a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute the regular puff pastry with a gluten-free puff pastry option. There are many high-quality gluten-free puff pastries available at most supermarkets or specialty stores.
2. Vegan Version:
For a vegan-friendly version of this recipe, you can replace the cream cheese and goat cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives. You can also use plant-based honey or maple syrup to replace the honey, and use vegan-friendly puff pastry.
3. Nut-Free Version:
If you need a nut-free recipe, simply omit the pecans and substitute with sunflower seeds or crispy fried onions for a satisfying crunch.
FAQs About Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs
1. Can I make the puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them for later use, as mentioned above.
2. Can I use other fruits besides pears?
Absolutely! Apples, figs, and even stone fruits like peaches or nectarines can work beautifully in this dish, adding a slightly different flavor while keeping the sweet and savory balance.
3. What can I substitute for pancetta?
If pancetta isn’t available, you can use crispy bacon, prosciutto, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a similar savory flavor.
4. Can I make these puffs larger for a main dish?
While these puffs are great as appetizers, you could make them larger and serve them as a main dish or a light meal. Simply increase the size of the puff pastry squares and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs recipe is a wonderful example of how combining a few simple ingredients can result in an outstanding, elegant dish. The balance of savory pancetta, creamy goat cheese, sweet pears, and toasted pecans creates a harmonious bite that will have your guests coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or looking for a new snack, these little puffs will surely impress. With some easy substitutions, dietary adaptations, and storage tips, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy these Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs fresh from the oven or reheat them later for a delightful treat.