Description

These delightful Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are a perfect sophisticated snack or appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry topped with creamy goat cheese, drizzled with sweet honey, and garnished with fresh thyme. Optional crushed red pepper flakes and nuts add a subtle kick and crunch to elevate the flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 sheets frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
4 ounces goat cheese (one log)
Honey, for drizzling (about 12 teaspoons total)
Chopped fresh thyme, for garnish

Optional Additions

A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Chopped walnuts or pecans (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly to even out the thickness, preparing for cutting.
Cut Pastry Circles: Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut approximately 24 circles from the puff pastry dough, spacing them on your workspace.
Create Indentations in Dough: Press the center of each pastry circle gently with your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well, which will hold the goat cheese during baking.
Fill Pastries with Goat Cheese: Place about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese in each indentation, distributing it evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Bake the Bites: Transfer the filled pastry circles to the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
Drizzle and Garnish: Remove the bites from the oven and immediately drizzle each with approximately ½ teaspoon of honey. Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme on top, and add optional crushed red pepper flakes or chopped nuts if desired.
Serve Warm: Serve these goat cheese and honey bites warm as a delicious appetizer or snack that pairs beautifully with wine or a charcuterie board.

Notes

Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling for easier handling and better puffing.
For added texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or chopped nuts before baking or right after drizzling the honey.
These bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
Use fresh thyme for the garnish as it adds a bright, aromatic component complimentary to the goat cheese and honey.
Adjust honey quantity based on your preferred level of sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: goat cheese bites, puff pastry appetizer, honey and thyme, easy party snacks, sophisticated snacks