These Goat Cheese & Onion Pastries bring together the irresistible combination of rich goat cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and crispy bacon wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a savory breakfast treat, their golden crust and flavorful filling will delight your guests with every bite.
The recipe balances smoky bacon with fresh thyme and white wine, enhancing the natural sweetness of onions and shallots. Ideal for entertaining or a cozy brunch, these pastries offer a gourmet touch with simple ingredients.
- Elegant flavor pairing of tangy goat cheese with sweet caramelized onions and crispy bacon.
- Quick to prepare using thawed puff pastry for a perfect flaky texture.
- Versatile for appetizers, brunch, or light snacks with impressive presentation.
Ingredients
- Bacon strips: Six strips chopped finely to add smoky, crispy texture and rich depth to the filling.
- Large onions: Two onions finely chopped for a sweet base that caramelizes beautifully.
- Shallots: Three thinly sliced shallots providing a delicate, slightly sweet aroma and flavor contrast.
- Sugar: Half teaspoon added to accelerate and enhance the caramelization of the onions.
- White wine: Half cup used to deglaze the pan, lifting browned bits for deeper flavor.
- Fresh thyme: Two teaspoons minced or dried thyme for earthy herbal notes complementing the cheese and onions.
- Garlic cloves: Two cloves minced to add a subtle pungent warmth without overpowering.
- Pepper: Quarter teaspoon ground black pepper giving mild heat that balances sweetness.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: One sheet thawed used as the buttery, flaky base for the pastries.
- Egg white: One large egg white beaten to brush over pastry for a shiny golden finish.
- Fresh goat cheese log: Four ounces sliced evenly to top each pastry with creamy tang.
Instructions
- Cook Bacon Until Crisp
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally. Crisp bacon adds texture and smoky flavor which forms the heart of the filling. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to maintain crunch.
- Caramelize Onions and Shallots
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Discard bacon drippings, reserving two teaspoons in the same pan. Add finely chopped onions, sliced shallots, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes deeply golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. This slow caramelization develops the sweet, rich base essential for balanced flavor.
- Deglaze and Season
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Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to loosen browned bits stuck to the bottom, enhancing the savory depth. Add minced thyme, garlic, and black pepper, cooking uncovered until the wine evaporates in 2-3 minutes. The herbs and garlic infuse aroma and complexity while keeping the mixture moist.
- Combine Bacon and Onion Mixture
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Stir the crisp bacon back into the onion mixture, evenly distributing smoky and sweet flavors. Mixing now ensures every bite has the perfect balance before assembling the pastries.
- Prepare Puff Pastry
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On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into three rectangles measuring approximately 9 by 3 inches. Transfer these to a parchment-lined baking sheet. The puff pastry is key for providing a light, flaky crust that holds the toppings perfectly.
- Assemble Pastries
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Lightly brush each pastry rectangle with beaten egg white; this helps the topping adhere and gives a beautiful golden glaze once baked. Spoon the onion-bacon mixture evenly on top, then place sliced goat cheese over the filling. The creamy cheese melts slightly, complementing the tart and sweet filling underneath.
- Bake Until Golden
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Bake the pastries in a preheated 400°F oven for 16-20 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown. Baking at this temperature ensures the pastry crisps properly while the filling warms through. Once baked, cut each rectangle into 4 smaller appetizers for sharing.
- Garnish and Serve
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Optionally garnish with fresh thyme sprigs to enhance presentation and provide a fresh herbal fragrance. Serve warm for an inviting appetizer or brunch treat that guests will love.
- Make sure to thaw puff pastry completely before use to ensure proper puff and texture.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is essential for developing the deep sweetness that balances the savory bacon.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried, but fresh will give a brighter flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven to restore crispness rather than using a microwave.
Serving Suggestions
These pastries pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or light soup for an elegant lunch. They also make a delightful addition to brunch spreads or party appetizer platters.
- Use chilled puff pastry and work quickly to keep the dough cool for optimal flakiness during baking.
- Finely chop onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization and consistent texture.
- Brush egg white lightly and evenly on pastry edges to avoid sogginess while achieving a glossy finish.
FAQs
- Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the pastries and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before placing in the oven.
- What can I use instead of goat cheese?
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Ricotta, cream cheese, or feta work well as substitutes but will alter the flavor slightly. Choose milder cheeses for a softer taste.
- Is it possible to make vegetarian version?
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Yes! Simply omit bacon and increase herbs or add sautéed mushrooms for umami richness.
- How should I store leftover pastries?
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Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Can I freeze these pastries?
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You can freeze unbaked assembled pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- What wine pairs well with these pastries?
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A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy cheese and caramelized onion flavors.
- Can I substitute fresh thyme with dried in this recipe?
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Yes, use about one-quarter the amount of dried thyme as fresh since it is more concentrated in flavor.
Goat Cheese Onion Pastries
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 parchment-lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 6 bacon strips chopped
- 2 large onions finely chopped
- 3 shallots thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 1 large egg white beaten
- 1 log 4 ounces fresh goat cheese, cut into 12 slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally; remove and drain on paper towels.
- Discard drippings but reserve 2 teaspoons in the skillet.
- Add onions, shallots, and sugar to the reserved drippings; cook and stir over medium heat until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in white wine, loosening any browned bits from the pan.
- Add thyme, garlic, and pepper; cook uncovered until liquid evaporates, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cooked bacon and remove from heat.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry and cut into three 9x3-inch rectangles; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush each pastry with beaten egg white.
- Top each with the onion mixture and a slice of goat cheese.
- Bake until golden brown, 16-20 minutes.
- Cut each rectangle into four appetizers and garnish with additional thyme if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh thyme for brighter flavor or dried thyme in a pinch.
- Try substituting goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder taste.
- Perfect served warm fresh from the oven for best texture.
