Appetizer Tart

Bacon and cheese appetizer tart - a delicious and easy-to-make recipe

Who doesn't love an appetizer tart that impresses with its taste and appearance? This bacon and cheese tart is perfect for any occasion, whether you serve it at a party, a gathering with friends, or simply as a savory snack for you and your family. Moreover, it is a recipe that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients in a way that will delight anyone's taste buds. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 75 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 100 ml warm water
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 300 g smoked cheese, grated
- 200 ml sour cream
- 200 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 250 g bacon, sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- Oregano (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

For the dressing:
- Lettuce, cut into thin strips
- Olive oil (to taste)
- Balsamic vinegar (to taste)
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Mustard (optional, for a bit of flavor)
- Soy sauce (optional, for an umami boost)
- Milk or cream (to thin the dressing)

Necessary utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Tart pan
- Grater
- Frying pan
- Plastic wrap
- Spatula

Preparation

1. Making the dough:

Start by combining the flour with the salt in a large bowl. Add the butter cut into cubes and, using your fingers or a pastry mixer, mix until you achieve a sandy texture. This is a classic technique in tart preparation that helps achieve a flaky dough.

Then gradually add the warm water, mixing continuously until the dough begins to form. There is no need to knead excessively, just enough to bring the ingredients together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the butter to cool, which will help achieve a perfect crust.

2. Preparing the filling:

While the dough cools, you can prepare the filling. Start by frying the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Once fried, transfer it to a plate covered with paper towels to remove the excess fat.

In the same pan, you can sauté the sliced onion until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, adding extra flavor to your dish.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated, and the mixture becomes homogeneous.

3. Assembling the tart:

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured work surface using a rolling pin until you achieve a sheet about 3-4 mm thick. Place the dough in the tart pan, ensuring to cover the edges well. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

Make a few holes with a fork in the dough to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Then, evenly place the sautéed onion on the bottom of the tart, followed by the fried bacon, and finally sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

Carefully pour the egg and sour cream mixture over the filling, ensuring it distributes evenly. If you have leftover dough, you can use the scraps to decorate the edges of the tart, creating elegant shapes.

4. Baking:

Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the tart is golden and well-cooked. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to allow the tart to bake evenly.

Once the tart is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. You will notice how the irresistible aroma of cheese and bacon will spread throughout the room.

5. Preparing the dressing:

Meanwhile, you can prepare the dressing. In a bowl, mix the sliced lettuce with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar (if desired), and a few drops of mustard. You can adjust the consistency of the dressing with milk or cream until you achieve a creamy yet fluid texture.

Serving

The tart is served warm alongside the freshly prepared dressing, but it is just as delicious cold. It can be accompanied by a seasonal salad or a glass of dry white wine, which will highlight the rich flavor of the smoked cheese.

Useful tips

- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to add a personalized touch.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with mushrooms or olives while keeping the rest of the ingredients.
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for optimal taste.

Nutritional benefits

This tart is not only delicious but also has some nutritional benefits. The cheese provides quality protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, while the bacon adds extra flavor and healthy fats. Onions, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, and sour cream and milk contribute to the intake of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the bacon with chicken or ham, depending on your preferences.

2. Can I make the tart in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tart a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini to add a touch of freshness.

This bacon and cheese appetizer tart is a wonderful choice for any meal. Easy to prepare and versatile, it will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!