Cheese, ham, and olive baskets

Cheese, Ham, and Olive Bites - A Delicious Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 bites

Imagine a warm appetizer with a crispy crust and delicious filling, perfect for a relaxing evening or a quick snack for the office. Cheese, ham, and olive bites are not just a treat but also an inspired choice for a cheerful lunch box that you can take to work or school.

A Brief History
This recipe combines influences from various culinary traditions, where cheese and ham are staple ingredients in appetizer dishes. Bites are often used in different cultures to house various fillings, becoming a symbol of conviviality and refined taste. We must admit that, regardless of the occasion, these bites are always welcome!

Necessary Ingredients
- 175 g cream cheese
- 175 g Făgăraș cheese
- 3 slices of fillet
- 5-6 black olives
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 egg for brushing

Ingredient Details
- Cream cheese: This salty cheese will give a rich flavor to the filling. If you prefer, you can choose a less salty version.
- Făgăraș cheese: A semi-hard cheese with a pleasant taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Fillet: Choose a quality fillet for a smooth taste.
- Olives: Add a salty and savory element. Black olives are the most suitable, but you can experiment with green olives.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a contrast of textures and a hint of sweetness.
- Red onion: This will add a slight spicy taste and perfectly complement the mixture.
- Puff pastry: Choose a quality pastry, preferably fresh, for a crispy crust.

Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and Făgăraș cheese. Use a fork or whisk to achieve a smooth mixture.

2. Adding the ingredients
Cut the fillet into small cubes, the bell pepper into pieces, and the olives into slices. Add all these ingredients to the cheese bowl.
- Tip: If you love fresh flavors, you can add a bit of dill or finely chopped parsley for extra flavor.

3. The onion
Wash and finely chop the red onion. Add it to the cheese mixture and mix well.
- Tip: If you prefer a milder taste, you can soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it.

4. Preparing the pastry
Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into squares of about 10x10 cm. These will form the base of the bites.
- Note: Make sure the pastry is well rolled out to avoid tearing.

5. Forming the bites
Grease the muffin tins with butter to prevent sticking. Place each square of pastry in the muffin tins, ensuring to cover the walls well.
- How to avoid tearing: If the pastry is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

6. Fill the bites
Fill each bite with the cheese mixture, leaving a little space for the pastry to rise.

7. Baking
Beat the egg well and brush each bite with it. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and place the bites in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

8. Serving
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, preferably with creamy yogurt or a fresh salad.
- Serving suggestion: You can add a few leaves of arugula or fresh basil for a touch of freshness.

Nutritional Benefits
These bites are a source of protein due to the cheeses and ham, while olives provide healthy fats. Moderate consumption of cheese can contribute to the necessary calcium intake, essential for bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different texture.
- How can I make the bites healthier? Replace the ham with roasted vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Can I freeze the bites? Yes! You can freeze the bites before baking them. When you want to serve them, let them thaw and bake them directly from the freezer.

These cheese, ham, and olive bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a family dinner, or simply a quick snack. Easy to prepare, with accessible and flavorful ingredients, they will surely be a staple in your menu! Enjoy!