Ingredients
Burger Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped or diced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or your favorite BBQ rub
Dough
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed but kept chilled
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice or sweet relish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder or BBQ rub. Use your hands to mix all ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay a large piece of parchment paper on your workstation. Remove one sheet of puff pastry from the package, keeping the other sheet chilled in the refrigerator. Puff pastry usually comes folded in thirds; cut the sheet along the fold lines into three strips. Work with one strip at a time, returning the others to the fridge to stay cold.
- Roll Out the Pastry Strips: Using a rolling pin, gently roll each pastry strip to extend its length and width slightly. Perfection is not necessary—the goal is simply to create enough surface to encase the filling.
- Assemble the Bites: Lay a portion of the burger filling down the center lengthwise on each rolled pastry strip. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a log, then pinch the seam to seal completely. Turn the log seam-side down on the parchment, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the bites with beaten egg wash to promote browning and shine. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tops if using.
- Oven Baking Option: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bites for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the beef is fully cooked. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Smoking Option (Pellet Grill): Preheat your pellet grill to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bites on a parchment-lined tray or on a baking-safe cooling rack to allow airflow. Smoke the bites for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, cracked black pepper, and pickle juice or sweet relish until well combined. Serve alongside the burger puff pastry bites for dipping.
Notes
- Keep unused puff pastry chilled to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter variation.
- Ensure the beef is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
- For a vegetarian option, consider replacing the filling with a mixture of cooked lentils, onions, and spices.
- Serve warm to enjoy the best flaky texture and melty filling.
- If you don't have a pellet grill, oven baking works just as well and produces delicious results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
