If you’re looking for a savory treat that’s easy to make and full of delicious flavors, these Snails with Bacon and Parmesan Filling are a perfect choice. Combining flaky puff pastry with smoky bacon, fresh spring onions, and rich Parmesan cheese, these snails are a delightful twist on traditional appetizers. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun alternative to pizza, these snails are sure to impress. Let’s go through the step-by-step instructions to make these tasty puff pastry snails.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 800 g (28 oz), rolled into a large rectangle
- Tomato Sauce: 100 g (1/2 cup), for spreading
- Bacon: 200 g (7 oz), diced
- Spring Onion: 100 g (3.5 oz), chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
- Salt: 5 g (1 teaspoon)
- Black Pepper: 5 g (1 teaspoon)
- Sweet Paprika: 5 g (1 teaspoon)
- Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing)
- Butter: For greasing the baking sheet
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s fully heated by the time your snails are ready to bake.
- Grease the Baking Sheet: Use butter to grease a 22 cm diameter baking sheet. This prevents the snails from sticking and adds a touch of extra flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the pastry is evenly rolled out to ensure uniform baking.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Spread the Tomato Sauce: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the tomato sauce over the surface of the puff pastry. This layer adds a subtle tang and moisture to the filling.
- Distribute the Toppings: Evenly scatter the diced bacon, chopped spring onions, and grated Parmesan cheese over the tomato sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle the filling with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika for a hint of spice and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, keeping the filling inside as you go. Roll as tightly as possible without squeezing the filling out to create neat, compact snails.
- Slice into Snails: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into slices about 2 cm thick. This creates the spiral snail shape with the filling beautifully displayed in each piece.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each snail cut-side down on the greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
- Brush with Egg: Brush the tops of the snails with the beaten egg. This step gives the pastries a glossy, golden finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the snails are golden brown and fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Warm: These snails are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when the pastry is flaky and the cheese is melted.
- Pairing: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a simple dipping sauce like marinara or garlic aioli for added flavor.
- Occasions: They make a great addition to party platters, a fun appetizer, or even a light dinner option.
Notes
- Puff Pastry Handling: To achieve the best results, keep the puff pastry cold until you are ready to work with it. Chilled pastry is easier to handle and will produce a flakier texture once baked.
- Variations: Feel free to get creative with the fillings. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or substitute the bacon with other meats like ham, pepperoni, or even a vegetarian option like spinach and feta.
Tips and Variations
- Customize the Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses for varied flavor profiles.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can add a burst of freshness to the filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: If needed, opt for gluten-free puff pastry available at many grocery stores for a gluten-free version of this delicious treat.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: Makes approximately 16 snails
- Calories: 180 per snail
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
These Snails with Bacon and Parmesan Filling offer a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, savory bacon, and rich Parmesan cheese, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion. With their beautiful spiral shape and rich flavors, these snails are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the goodness of puff pastry. Enjoy them warm and freshly baked, and savor the comforting, indulgent taste of this easy-to-make treat!
