Imagine biting into a crispy, golden pastry that melts in your mouth, revealing a luxurious combination of sweet, caramelized leeks and rich, nutty Parmesan cheese. These elegant Leek and Parmesan Nibbles are not just another appetizer – they're a culinary experience that will transform your next gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a gourmet snack, these delicate French-inspired bites are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become your new favorite party sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 leeks, trimmed and sliced
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thoroughly wash the leeks to remove any dirt, then finely slice them into thin rings, focusing on the white and light green parts.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the leeks with a small amount of olive oil until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the leeks from heat and let them cool slightly, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut into small squares, approximately 4x4 cm.
- Place a small amount of sautéed leeks in the center of each pastry square, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fold the pastry corners slightly inward to create a rustic, open-faced nibble shape.
- Brush the edges of each pastry with beaten egg to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
- Arrange the nibbles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- • Wash leeks thoroughly to remove all hidden dirt between the layers • Use a sharp knife to slice leeks into thin, uniform rings for even cooking • Allow leeks to cool slightly before adding to pastry to prevent soggy bottoms • Use cold puff pastry for the crispiest results • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even browning • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of fresh thyme or garlic to the leek mixture • Serve immediately or at room temperature for the best texture • These nibbles can be prepared ahead and quickly baked just before serving • Experiment with different cheese variations like Gruyère for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
