Tomato Puff Pastry Bites with Bacon Basil Gremolata
This recipe was invented by my friend Benjamin Prescott. It is so easy to make and it tends to really rock peoples socks off. You can buy puff pastry sheets at most grocery stores in the freezer section. By simply cutting them into squares, placing a thick slice of tomato in the center and baking them to crispy perfection, you end up with one of the best bites of Summer!
This recipe is a great way to start a dinner party or can make a nice light lunch if served with a big salad. I like to top the puff pastry bites with a bacon basil gremolata. Gremolata is a traditional Italian condiment made of finely minced parsley, lemon zest, raw garlic and olive oil. The addition of chopped up crispy bacon bites really takes the whole experience to another level! If you're feeling lazy, you can also just buy some of our in house chimichurri or pesto and top the bites with that!
Author:
Gracie Schatz
Ingredients
Gremolata
1/2 cup finely chopped basil or parsley
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 Tbsp grated raw garlic, I like to use a microplane grater
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped, crispy bacon
If you want to add a little extra kick to your Gremolata, chop up a few anchovy fillets and/or a couple of tablespoons of capers and throw those in there as well!
For the Puff Pastry Bites
1 package store bought puff pastry, usually comes with two sheets.
3 ripe Tomatoes - Marsalato is best, Heirloom will also work
1 egg, whisked thoroughly
Directions
To Make the Gremolata
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Taste and adjust salt level to your liking.
To Make the Puff Pastry Bites
Preheat oven to 425
Slice each sheet of puff pastry into 9 squares. Place a 1/2" thick slice of tomato on top of each piece of puff pastry and place them on a baking sheet. Brush any exposed edge of puff pastry with a little egg wash and top with freshly cracked pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Bake the puff pastry bites in the center rack of your oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are deeply golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before topping with the bacon gremolata and devouring!
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