Tepertős Pogácsa - Hungarian Crispy Bacon Biscuits

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) bacon, cooked and finely chopped
• 50g (1/4 cup) rendered bacon fat 50g (1/4 cup) rendered bacon fat
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling (optional) Sesame seeds, for sprinkling (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 12g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (0.5g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. 3.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4.
   Stir in the finely chopped bacon and rendered bacon fat until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
6. 6.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to ensure it is well combined.
7. 7.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) and use a round cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits.
8. 8.
   Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
9. 9.
   Brush the tops of the biscuits with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bacon — Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy before finely chopping it. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the biscuits.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of Hungarian paprika to the dough.
• Serve the Tepertős Pogácsa warm for the best taste and texture.
• These biscuits can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, to add a cheesy twist to the biscuits.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough.

Serving advice

Serve the Tepertős Pogácsa as a delightful appetizer or snack. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of pickles for an authentic Hungarian experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tepertős Pogácsa on a platter, allowing their golden brown color to shine. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a touch of green. Serve them alongside a small bowl of sour cream for dipping.