Flaky Pastry Appetizers with Original Ketchup

Flaky Pastry Appetizers with Original Ketchup offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a chic gathering or a quick snack. These appetizing bites feature a crispy, buttery pastry filled with a luscious combination of blue cream cheese, arugula, and cured ham. The addition of original ketchup and thyme brings a hint of sweet tanginess and aromatic freshness, respectively. This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate the fusion of savory and slightly pungent flavors. With just under an hour dedicated to preparation and baking, these appetizers are not only simple to prepare but also present beautifully. Whether served at parties or enjoyed during a quiet evening, they are sure to impress guests with their elegant presentation and sophisticated taste. A perfect marriage of textures, from the crisp pastry to the creamy cheese and tender ham, ensures each bite is memorable. With easily available ingredients, you can recreate this gourmet appetizer in your own kitchen. Experiment with variations to cater to different preferences and dietary needs, adding your personal touch to these delightful treats.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 sheets of puff pastry
• 4 tbsp Original Ketchup
• 4 tbsp Blue cream cheese
• 10 g arugula
• 8 slices of cured ham
• 1 egg

Spices

• Thyme

Preparation Time

Total time: Approximately 50 minutes (including prep and cook).

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 185°C (365°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface for ease of cutting.
3. Using a round cutter, cut equal-sized circles from the dough for your base.
4. With a smaller cutter, remove the center of half of the circles to create a ring shape.
5. Place full circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
6. Prick the pastry circles with a fork to prevent puffing during baking and to create a nice texture.
7. Beat the egg thoroughly and brush it over the pastry circles to aid in browning and shine.
8. Place the ring-shaped dough on top of the full circles and brush again with egg wash.
9. Place a small amount of ketchup in the center of each prepared pastry circle.
10. Sprinkle thyme over the ketchup for added flavor and aroma.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the pastries are golden brown and fully puffed.
12. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
13. Gently press down the raised center of the pastries with your fingers to create a hollow.
14. Fill this hollow with a small handful of fresh arugula.
15. Add a dollop of blue cream cheese into the center, taking care not to overflow.
16. Artfully arrange the cured ham on top of the cheese for a visually appealing finish.
17. Consider lightly drizzling additional thyme on top for enhanced flavor depth.
18. For a crisp finish, avoid overfilling, which may lead to soggy pastries.
19. Serve warm for the best taste profile, although they can be served at room temperature.
20. Enjoy with friends or family, offering a variation of topping choices to suit different palates.

Tips

• Baking: Ensure all pastry circles are evenly rolled to the same thickness for consistent baking.
• Filling: Substitute blue cheese with cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbs: 25g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace cured ham with roasted bell peppers or caramelized onions.
• Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Herbs: Experiment with basil or rosemary as substitutes for thyme.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh garden salad to complement the rich flavors of the pastries.
• Serve alongside a light soup, like tomato or gazpacho, for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added color and taste.

Best Places

• The Savory Corner - Known for its exquisite pastries and snacks. Location: 101 Baker St, London, UK.
• Cafe Gourmetia - Offers an elegant setting perfect for tasting light bites. Location: 10 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Snack Haven - A hotspot for delicious and quick appetizers. Location: 455 Yonge St, Toronto, Canada.
• Biscuits & More - Popular for their savory pastry selection. Location: 8 Market Ln, New York, USA.
• Blue Cheese Delight - Specializes in cream cheese-based recipes. Location: 32 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Epicureans' Delight - Perfect for lovers of unique flavor combinations. Location: 123 Hradčanská, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Crust & Crumb - A rustic bakery with a modern twist. Location: 27 Queen St, Dublin, Ireland.
• Fine Bakes - Famous for their artisanal take on classic snacks. Location: 15 Piazza Santa Croce, Florence, Italy.
• Hampshire Bites - Offers a cozy environment with gourmet snacks. Location: 64 Hill Rd, Southampton, UK.
• Snack World - Bringing an international feel to local treats. Location: 100 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok, Thailand.