Mushrooms and sweet onions are caramelized with balsamic vinegar, and then baked with cheese on buttery, and flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized appetizers are easy to make and such a crowd pleaser!
Thank you, Cooper Cheese® for sponsoring today’s decadent recipe post.
Thanksgiving is in just a few days and the Christmas season is upon us. To say I am not overwhelmed is an understatement. I have not purchased one gift yet and have a list from my kids to the ceiling to the floor.
One thing I am not stressed out about this holiday season is my food plans. I love to cook, and have no troubles coming up with tasty bites that my family will be sure to love.
Making easy Thanksgiving and holiday appetizers like these Caramelized Mushroom, Onion, and Cheese Bites is a breeze when you have the right cheese.
You see, my kids are not into super fancy cheeses and prefer quality cheese that is creamy and versatile like Cooper Sharp White Cheese.
Best Appetizer Cheese
In my opinion, the best appetizer cheese base is Cooper Sharp White American Cheese. This iconic cheese brand can be found in the deli case and comes in a variety of classic flavors. The most versatile happens to be the Cooper Sharp White.
This cheese has been around since 1893 and is a Northeast Cheese staple. It is a creamy American Cheese made with Sharp Cheddar, hence the name Cooper Sharp White American Cheese.
If you like a sharp, creamy, and slightly salty cheese, this is the perfect appetizer cheese. It comes in a rectangular slice, but the delicatessen can slice it thin, thick, or in a block. When I make queso, I prefer it in a block so I can easily cube it.
Since this is a quality cheese, it bakes up to a bubbly, golden brown perfection and will not turn runny in your appetizers–SCORE!
How to Caramelize Sweet Onions and Mushrooms
Now that you know the best cheese for a golden-brown perfection, it is time to learn how to caramelize sweet onions and mushrooms.
Believe it or not, these onions and mushrooms were pan-fried without excess grease or oil. I added one package of sliced mushrooms and one sliced Vidalia onion to my skillet with 3 tablespoons of water, 1/4 tsp of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of Modena Balsamic Vinegar.
Simply pan fry for about 12 minutes over medium heat. The onions will be translucent and pliable once done.
After they cook, remove them from the pan and place them in a bowl for easier assembly.
How to Assemble Puff Pastry Appetizer
When working with puff pastry, the best advice I have is to leave it at room temperature for 2-3 hours. It is best to work with when it is soft and easy to open. It cracks and will not cook correctly if still frozen.
As for the pastry, unfold it and cut it into 15 squares. They do not need to be equal or perfectly square.
Since puff pastry rises up, you can bake one sheet on a large baking sheet.
I cut the Cooper cheese into 6 pieces. One good-sized square is all you need per bite.
Add the cheese, then top with 1-2 mushrooms and onions.
Place in a 400°F preheated oven for 16-18 minutes. Pastry will not puff up tremendously due to the toppings, but it should be puffy and golden-brown in color. The cheese will also be bubbly and toasted.
Sprinkle with fresh dill for an amazing flavor combo!
- You cannot freeze these appetizers. They taste best warm out of the oven, on the same day of baking.
Caramelized Mushroom, Onion, and Cheese Bites
Equipment
- baking sheet
- large skillet
- knife
Ingredients
- 17.2 oz puff pastry
- 8 oz brown mushrooms sliced
- 1 vidalia onion large size. sliced
- 3 tbsps water
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps Modena Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 lb Cooper® Sharp White Pasteurized Process American Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add sliced onion and mushroom to skillet with water, vinegar, and black pepper.
- Caramelize for 12 minutes until mushrooms and onions take on a deep brown color and are soft. The onions will be translucent.
- Unwrap, unfold and slice puff pastry into squares.
- One large baking sheet fits one sheet of squares.
- Add a small piece of cheese to each puff pastry.
- Top with 1-2 each of onion and mushroom.
- Bake for up to 18 minutes. Pastry will be golden-brown and slightly puffy. Cheese will be browned and bubbly as well.
- Top with fresh dill and enjoy warm.
YUM! This looks like a great snack. I’m going to have to try it for the holidays!
Now these are going to be awesome for some snacking. I love having extra recipes that use caramelized onions.
I’ve never had anything like this before. They sure do look amazing. I will have to give these a try real soon.
I am drooling over here. These look so delicious and I need to make them.
This looks beyond tasty and perfect to make for the holidays. I’ll have to make some soon!
Every ingredient here screams yum to me! These would be gobbled in no time between my husband and myself.
These appetizers are exactly what I need! I will make for movie dinner tonight!
Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard. These look amazing! I love caramelized onions.
I want to make them just for me. These look amazing and so fancy.
They look delicious and easy to make, I am in charge of an appetizer for a party in a couple of weeks and this is what I will be making, yummy
Such a great appetizer! Can’t wait to try it over the weekend!
These look like the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer and so easy. Thanks for sharing!
That is quite an interesting dish and it looks delicious as well. I’d love to try making this one sometime.
Omg this looks so good. Have to share