Goat Cheese and Honey Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Introduction

Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for any gathering. These golden puff pastry rounds filled with creamy goat cheese, drizzled with sweet honey, and garnished with fresh thyme offer a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
• One 4-ounce log goat cheese
• Honey (for drizzling)
• Chopped fresh thyme (for garnish)
• Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface. Use a 2-inch round cutter to make about 24 circles.
3. Step 3: Indent the center of each round with your thumb or a spoon to create a small well.
4. Step 4: Place about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into each indentation.
5. Step 5: Bake the bites for 8–10 minutes, until golden and puffed.
6. Step 6: Drizzle each bite with about ½ teaspoon of honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped nuts if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve warm as a sophisticated snack or part of a larger spread.

Tips & Variations

• For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use fresh thyme leaves instead of chopped for a more delicate garnish.
• Serve with a side of fig jam or balsamic glaze for a complementary sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites up to the baking step and refrigerate them on the baking sheets for a few hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely. Cream cheese or ricotta can be used, but goat cheese offers a unique tangy flavor that pairs especially well with honey and thyme.

Goat Cheese and Honey Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

These Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are delightful, flaky puff pastry rounds filled with creamy goat cheese, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet honey, then garnished with fresh thyme. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or sophisticated snack, they offer a lovely balance of tangy, sweet, and herbaceous flavors in every bite.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

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

Optional Additions

• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out approximately 24 circles for individual bites.
3. Create Indentation: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently indent the center of each pastry circle to form a small well that will hold the goat cheese filling.
4. Fill with Goat Cheese: Place about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into the indentation on each puff pastry round, being careful not to overfill.
5. Bake: Arrange the filled pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
6. Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle each bite with approximately ½ teaspoon of honey. Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme on top to add an aromatic herbal note.
7. Optional Garnishes: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and/or chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.
8. Serve: Serve these bites warm as a sophisticated snack or as part of a larger appetizer spread to impress guests with minimal effort.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed but kept cold before rolling to prevent sticking and maintain flakiness.
• You can substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano depending on preference.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute honey with maple syrup.
• These bites are best served warm but can be reheated briefly in the oven.
• Optional nuts add a crunchy contrast but can be skipped for nut allergies.
• Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: goat cheese bites, puff pastry appetizers, honey and thyme bites, easy party snacks, savory pastry appetizers