Puff Pastry Apple and Bacon Bites

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Lightly spray a 12-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Unroll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the sheet into a 10x10- inch square. Cut the sheet lengthwise into 4 even strips. Cut crosswise into 3 even strips. This will leave you with 12 pieces. Press each piece into the mini muffin tin to create a little cup. Use a fork to gently prick the bottom of each puff pastry cup. Cover with a damp paper towel and place the muffin tin in the fridge while you make your filling.
3. Heat a medium sized nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is soft but not golden or crispy, about 1 minute on each side. Set aside to a cutting board and chop once cooled.
4. Add the apples and the bacon to the pan with bacon grease and stir to combine. Cook until the apples are soft and the bacon is fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a paper towel lined plate to remove any excess fat.
5. Remove the muffin tin from the fridge and divide the mixture evenly into the pastry cups. Top with grated gouda. Place the muffin tin on a rimmed baking sheet and transfer to the oven to bake for 15-18 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes. Gently lift the cups from the muffin tin and place them on a serving platter, garnish with thyme, and serve.