Caramelized Onion Mushroom Apple And Gruyere Bites
I recently made these Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Apple, and Gruyere Bites, and trust me, they didn’t last long! Not only were they an absolute hit at my little get-together, but they also looked like something you’d order at a fancy bistro.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended
- Gruyere cheese
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Start by slicing the onions thinly. Heat butter in a skillet over low heat and add the onions, stirring occasionally. Allow them to cook until they become golden brown and wonderfully sweet. This can take 15–20 minutes, so be patient! Adding a pinch of salt enhances their natural flavor.
- While your onions caramelize, chop the mushrooms into small pieces. Heat olive oil in another pan and toss in the mushrooms along with fresh thyme and a sprinkle of salt. Cook until the mushrooms are golden and have released all their moisture.
- Slice the apples into thin pieces (no need to peel them). The thin slices will soften beautifully while baking, adding a touch of sweetness and texture to each bite.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares. Place the pastry squares on a lined baking sheet. Layer each square with a slice of apple, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. Top with a generous portion of shredded Gruyere cheese.
- Bake the bites for about 15–20 minutes or until the puff pastry turns golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, sprinkle a touch of fresh thyme on top for an herby finish. Serve warm and watch them disappear in minutes.
Notes
- Patience is Key: Low and slow is the way to go when caramelizing onions. Don’t rush the process; the sweet flavor is worth the wait.
- Room Temperature Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold for easy handling. Over-thawed pastry becomes sticky and harder to work with.
- Cheese Matters: Gruyere adds a unique nutty flavor, but if you’re out of it, try Fontina or even sharp white cheddar as substitutes.
- Pre-Cut Ingredients: To make the process seamless, prep all your ingredients before you start assembling.