Party Appetizer Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons water, chilled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (optional)
• 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or basil)
• Additional shredded cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy base.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and softened butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the chilled water gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles, about 3 inches in diameter.
4. Place each dough circle into a greased mini muffin tin. Lightly press down to form a cup shape. In a separate bowl, mix together the cheese, bacon or sausage (if using), chopped vegetables, cream cheese, and seasonings. Spoon the filling into each dough cup, filling them about ¾ full.
5. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of each filled bite. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift them out of the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.