If you’re searching for a delightful appetizer that effortlessly combines creamy, tangy, and flaky textures, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe. This irresistible treat brings together rich brie cheese and your favorite jam wrapped in golden puff pastry, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for parties, cozy nights, or impressing guests with minimal effort, these bites are as charming as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role to ensure those puff pastry bites come out flaky, flavorful, and utterly crave-worthy.
- ½ batch rough puff pastry or classic puff pastry: This buttery, flaky dough forms the perfect crispy base for the bites.
- All-purpose flour (for work surface): Keeps your workspace smooth and prevents sticking while working with the pastry.
- 1 cup jam-of-choice: Choose cranberry, plum, or cherry for a tangy sweetness that complements the brie beautifully.
- 4 ounces brie cheese: Adds a creamy and slightly earthy richness to every bite.
- 4-6 sprigs of rosemary: Fresh rosemary brings an aromatic herbal note that elevates the flavor profile.
- Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water or cream): Gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish when baked.
How to Make Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by lightly flouring your work surface to prevent sticking. Roll out your rough or classic puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This delicate step ensures crispiness and that the bites will puff up beautifully in the oven. If you’re using store-bought pastry, give it a gentle roll to refresh the texture.
Step 2: Cut and Fill the Pastry Squares
Slice the rolled-out pastry into uniform squares about 2-3 inches across. On each square, place a small spoonful of jam right in the center, followed by a chunk of creamy brie cheese. The combination of warm cheese melting into the sweet jam is a total crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to carefully strip the rosemary leaves from their sprigs to sprinkle a few over the filling for that herby aroma.
Step 3: Fold and Seal Each Bite
Fold each pastry square into a triangle or rectangle, pressing the edges gently but firmly to seal in the filling. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a charming touch and to ensure nothing oozes out while baking.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops of each puff pastry bite with your prepared egg wash. This little step is what gives them their golden, shiny finish that makes these treats look as good as they taste.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your prepared bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until they puff up and turn a rich golden brown. The aroma alone will make it impossible to wait!
How to Serve Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a few fresh rosemary leaves or a pinch of flaky sea salt after baking amps up both the presentation and flavor. A light drizzle of honey can add an irresistible sweetness boost for an even more decadent bite.
Side Dishes
These bites pair exceptionally well with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a crisp glass of white wine. Their richness is perfectly balanced by something light and refreshing on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these delights on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra jam and fresh fruit. For a festive occasion, line a tiered serving tray with them, garnished with edible flowers or herbs, to wow your guests visually as well as with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the puff pastry bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the integrity of the filling and pastry texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked puff pastry bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. This way, you’ll always be ready to whip up a quick appetizer by simply baking from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat baked bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to bring back their crispiness without drying out the cheese or jam.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie delivers that dreamy creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with camembert or mild goat cheese to give a different twist to the bites.
What jams work best in this recipe?
Cranberry, plum, and cherry jam are fantastic due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, but don’t hesitate to try fig, apricot, or raspberry jams depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make these bite-sized appetizers vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and use dairy-free puff pastry if available. Just ensure your egg wash is replaced with a plant milk wash or nothing at all for a golden finish.
How long do puff pastry bites stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Puff pastry tends to lose its crispness over time, so reheating is essential to restore some crunch.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?
Definitely! Adding finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a wonderful texture contrast and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the brie and jam.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy and utterly delicious Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe in your repertoire, I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a special celebration, these bites bring warmth and joy in every flaky, cheesy mouthful. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
These Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites are an elegant yet simple appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy brie and sweet jam, topped with fresh rosemary for an aromatic finish. Perfect for parties or gatherings, they combine savory and sweet flavors in bite-sized perfection.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- ½ batch rough puff pastry or classic puff pastry (or store-bought)
- All-purpose flour (for work surface)
Filling
- 1 cup jam of choice (cranberry, plum, or cherry recommended)
- 4 ounces brie cheese
- 4–6 sprigs rosemary
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. Roll out your rough or classic puff pastry to an even thickness, ensuring it’s large enough to cut into small bite-sized squares.
- Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the rolled pastry into approximately 20 squares, depending on the desired size of your bites.
- Add Fillings: On each square, place a small dollop of your chosen jam and a piece of brie cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to burst during baking.
- Top with Rosemary: Place a small leaf or piece of rosemary on top of the brie and jam to add a fresh and aromatic flavor.
- Seal and Brush: Fold or cover the bites if preferred, or leave open-faced. Brush the edges and tops of the pastry squares with the egg wash to encourage a golden brown finish during baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared pastry bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed and the brie is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can use store-bought puff pastry for a time saver.
- The choice of jam greatly affects the flavor profile; cranberry jam adds tartness, while plum or cherry jams provide sweetness.
- Ensure the brie is cut into small pieces to prevent overpowering the pastry bites.
- Egg wash helps achieve a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
- These bites are best served fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently to restore flakiness.
