Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Jam, Pecans, and Thyme Recipe
Introduction
Puff Pastry Brie Bites are an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for any gathering. These flaky, golden cups filled with creamy Brie, sweet jam, and crunchy pecans deliver a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (17.3 oz package)
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz Brie
- ½ cup jam
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and gently roll over with a rolling pin just enough to blend the creases. Cut each sheet into 16 equal squares by slicing into 4 strips vertically and 4 strips horizontally. Press each square firmly into a well-oiled muffin tin cavity, shaping it into a cup form.
- Step 2: Slice the Brie into 32 pieces about one inch each. For easier slicing, freeze the Brie for 15 minutes beforehand. Place one piece of Brie into each puff pastry cup, add 1 teaspoon of jam on top, and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Step 3: Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. For extra flavor, consider adding orange zest or drizzling honey or hot honey over the top. Let cool for several minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Freeze the Brie slightly before slicing to make clean, even pieces without breaking.
- Try different jams such as fig, raspberry, or apricot for varied sweetness and flavor profiles.
- Experiment with nuts like walnuts or sliced almonds if pecans are unavailable or to change the texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick.
Storage
Store leftover puff pastry Brie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp the pastry without melting the cheese too much. These are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This makes hosting easier without sacrificing freshness.
What type of jam works best?
Fruity jams with a balance of sweetness and tartness work well, such as fig, apricot, or raspberry. Choose your favorite based on your taste preference.
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Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Jam, Pecans, and Thyme Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 bite-sized servings 1x
Description
These Puff Pastry Brie Bites are a delightful and elegant appetizer featuring crisp, golden puff pastry cups filled with creamy Brie cheese, sweet jam, and crunchy pecans. Garnished with fresh thyme, these savory-sweet bites make a perfect party treat or festive snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (17.3 oz package)
Filling and Toppings
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz Brie cheese
- ½ cup jam (your choice of flavor)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Oil spray for muffin tin
- Optional: orange zest and honey or hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry Cups: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and lightly roll them with a rolling pin just enough to smooth out the creases. Cut each sheet into 16 equal pieces by slicing 4 strips across and 4 strips down. Spray a muffin tin well with oil and press each puff pastry square firmly into a muffin tin cavity to form a cup shape.
- Slice and Assemble Filling: Cut the Brie into 32 pieces roughly 1 inch in size. To make slicing easier, freeze the Brie for 15 minutes beforehand. Place one piece of Brie into each puff pastry cup, then add one teaspoon of jam on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with chopped pecans evenly.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled Brie bites for about 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and puffs up nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. For extra flavor, optionally add a sprinkle of orange zest and a drizzle of honey or hot honey. Let cool for a few minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin and serving.
Notes
- Freezing the Brie before slicing makes it much easier to cut evenly.
- Use any flavor of jam you prefer; raspberry, apricot, or fig work wonderfully.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Be sure to spray the muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Allow bites to cool slightly so the cheese firms up for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: puff pastry, brie bites, appetizer, party snack, cheese appetizer, pecans, jam, thyme, savory bites
