Onion, Mushroom and Bacon Bites

Combine caramelized onions, mushrooms, garlic, bacon and Cheddar to make these amazingly irresistible appetizers. A pizza cutter works great for cutting into pieces.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Baking Time: 25 minutes

Makes 18 pieces

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil

2 cups (500 mL) sliced Ontario Onions (about 2)

1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

1/4 tsp (1 mL) each crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper

2 cups (500 mL) sliced Ontario Crimini or White Mushrooms

3 cloves Ontario Garlic, minced

1 tbsp (15 mL) sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar

2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh Ontario Thyme Leaves

1 sheet (225 g) frozen butter puff pastry, thawed and refrigerated

1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded Ontario Aged White Cheddar Cheese

2 slices Ontario Bacon, cooked and chopped

1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh Ontario Parsley Leaves

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, pepper flakes and black pepper; cook, stirring often for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes or until golden. Stir in mushrooms and garlic. Increase heat to medium-high; cook uncovered, stirring often for 7 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Stir in vinegar and thyme; cook until liquid is absorbed, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl; let cool.

Unroll puff pastry and leave on parchment paper. Place on baking sheet. Using fork, leave 1/2-inch (1 cm) border around edge of pastry, prick pastry many times. Bake in 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Gently press down on pastry with back of spoon to flatten; top with onion mixture. Sprinkle half of the cheese and all the bacon on top. Bake until pastry is golden, about 13 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and parsley.

Nutritional Information:

1 Piece

PROTEIN: 2 grams

FAT: 7 grams

CARBOHYDRATE: 8 grams

CALORIES: 105

FIBRE: 0.5 grams

SODIUM: 141 mg

– Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario