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These lardon and comté bites are a real crowd-pleaser at any get-together. They're easy to put together and packed with flavor. Whenever I serve these flaky little treats, people always come back for seconds.
I've lost count of how many times I've made these for friends. The first time, everybody wanted to know how I did it. Now they're the thing my family asks for at every gathering.
Tasty Ingredients
- Smoked lardons, 200g: Go for thick cuts so you get a nice mix of fat and lean
- Grated comté, 150g: Choose a comté that's been aged at least a year for extra punch
- All-butter puff pastry, 1 sheet: If you can, get a craft-style dough for ultimate crunch
- Fresh eggs, 2: Makes your filling extra smooth and ties everything together
- Cream, 100ml: Thick cream works best for that creamy mouthfeel
- Freshly ground black pepper: Grinding right before adding brings way more aroma
- Grated nutmeg: Just a touch lifts the whole mix
Simple Step-by-Step
- Cool Down Time:
- Let the bites rest a few minutes out of the oven. Serve warm or at room temp. Pile onto a tray and hand out napkins, since everyone rushes to grab one the second you set them down.
- Bake and Build:
- Place your dough circles on a lined baking sheet. Give them some space to puff up. Sprinkle the golden lardons over each piece. Top with a big spoonful of the creamy cheesy mixture. Pop in the oven for 15–20 minutes and keep an eye on them. They're done when nice and golden with a bubbly top.
- Make the Filling:
- Crack eggs into a bowl. Beat them up a bit, then add in cream. Stir in grated comté, grind in plenty of black pepper, and flick in a little grated nutmeg. Mix so everything blends smoothly together.
- Get Everything Ready:
- Start by heating your oven to 180°C. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured counter. Use a glass or round cutter to make dough circles. Cook the lardons in a dry pan for about 5 minutes till they're browned and crisp.
The real star here's the comté. I love using a well-aged comté for its salty, fruity flavor. One time I threw a last-minute party, and these little bites totally saved the night. People wouldn't stop coming back for more.
Keeping Fresh & Prepping Ahead
You can prep every part of these a day before. Store your cut dough chilled between sheets of baking paper. Keep the cream mix in a tightly closed box in the fridge. On the day, just put everything together and bake. Leftovers? Give 'em five minutes in a 150°C oven so they crisp up again.
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Delicious Spins
Mix things up by using gruyère, emmental, or even roquefort for a bolder bite. Swap the lardons for small cubes of ham, leftover cooked chicken, or sautéed mushrooms if you want to keep it veggie. Get creative and make it your own.
Best Pairings
Honestly, these bites are great on their own, but they go really well next to a zippy green salad if you're after something light. For parties, serve them with stuffed olives, cherry tomatoes, and maybe pour some crisp white wine like Chablis or Sancerre—those flavors totally fit with the comté.
Pro Tips
- Give the pastry a quick poke with a fork so it doesn't puff up too much
- Want bite-sized snacks? Use a mini cutter and make them one-mouthful big
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh chives right before serving for a pop of color and taste
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the bites crunchier?
Make sure the puff pastry is cold, and don't overload the filling to keep the crust from getting soggy.
- → Can I switch Comté with another cheese?
Yes, you could use gruyère or emmental. However, Comté gives a richer and deeper taste.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
It's better to bake them right before serving to keep them crispy, but you can prep the filling and cut the dough earlier.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative for the bacon?
Of course! Diced roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms can replace bacon for a delicious vegetarian option.
- → What goes well with these bites?
Pair them with a light green salad to add some freshness and balance out the flavors of your snack spread.