Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Apple & Gruyère Bites

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Apple & Gruyère Bites are a savory-sweet appetizer perfect for any occasion. These elegant bites combine flaky puff pastry with a rich filling of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and tender apples, all topped with creamy Gruyère cheese. A touch of thyme and chives adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp, for caramelizing onions
• Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
• Baby bella mushrooms: 4 oz, sliced
• Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, for cooking apples
• Granny Smith apples: 1 ½, cubed
• Granulated sugar: 1 tsp, to enhance apple sweetness
• Gruyère cheese: 1 ½ oz, grated
• Chives: 2 tbsp, minced
• Dried thyme: ½ tsp
• Puff pastry: 1 lb, thawed
• Egg: 1, beaten

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the onion mixture.

Step 4:

Add butter to the skillet and cook apples with sugar until tender, about 10 minutes. Add to the bowl with onions and mushrooms.

Step 5:

Stir in Gruyère cheese, chives, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6:

Roll out puff pastry and cut into 2-inch squares. Arrange on the prepared baking sheets. Brush each square with beaten egg and spoon filling onto the center.

Step 7:

Bake for 25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until the bites are golden and crispy.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve slightly warm for the best flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

Helpful Notes

• Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking for easier entertaining.
• Experiment with different cheeses like Fontina or Emmental for variety.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Sophia suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warming spice note.

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Conclusion

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Apple & Gruyère Bites are an irresistible appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors in flaky puff pastry. The caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms bring deep, rich flavors, while the apples add a hint of sweetness. Gruyère cheese ties everything together with its creamy texture, and the thyme and chives provide a fresh, herbal note. These bites are baked to golden perfection, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or special occasions. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, these pastry bites are a must-try!