8 Bites Recipe

Prepare oven and pastry

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions until pliable but still cold. On a lightly floured surface, unfold each pastry sheet and, using a 3-inch round cutter (or a sharp knife), cut 4 rounds from each sheet to yield 8 rounds. Transfer rounds to the prepared sheet and chill in the fridge while you make the filling (about 10 minutes).

Cook filling

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and sauté 1–2 minutes until translucent. Add chopped mushrooms and cook 4–5 minutes until moisture evaporates and edges brown. Add chopped spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool 3 minutes.

Combine filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mushroom-spinach mixture with goat cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Stir in the egg-milk mixture until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but not soupy; if too loose, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or rest 5 minutes to thicken.

Assemble bites

Remove pastry rounds from fridge. Lightly score a 1/2-inch border around each round with the tip of a knife (do not cut through) to create a rim that will puff. Divide the filling evenly among the 8 rounds, mounding slightly in the center but staying inside the scored border.

Egg wash and bake

Beat the remaining small amount of egg (use a separate egg if desired) with 1 tablespoon milk to make an egg wash. Brush the scored pastry rims with egg wash to encourage browning. Bake on the middle rack for 14–18 minutes, rotating pan halfway, until pastry is golden and puffed and filling is set and slightly browned on top. If edges brown too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.

Rest and garnish

Remove from oven and let bites rest on the sheet 3–4 minutes to set. Transfer to a rack. Finish with a light sprinkle of microgreens or chives and, if using, a tiny drizzle (about 1/8–1/4 teaspoon per bite) of balsamic reduction or honey for contrast. Serve warm or at room temperature.