Goat Cheese and Honey Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are a delightful mix of creamy, tangy cheese and sweet honey wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack, they come together quickly and impress every time.

Ingredients

• 1 package Frozen Puff Pastry Dough (thawed for best texture)
• 12 ounces Goat Cheese (cream cheese can be used as a milder alternative)
• ½ cup Honey (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme (or substitute with rosemary or oregano)
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for gentle heat)
• ½ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional, any preferred nuts can be used or omitted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out approximately 24 circles using a 2-inch round cutter.
3. Step 3: Gently press the center of each round with the back of a teaspoon to create a small well.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into each indentation.
5. Step 5: Place the filled pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then drizzle each bite with about ½ teaspoon honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Add crushed red pepper flakes and chopped nuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, substitute goat cheese with cream cheese.
• Try swapping fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
• Omit nuts if you prefer a nut-free version or replace with your favorite chopped nuts.
• Adjust honey drizzling to suit your preferred sweetness level.
• Serve warm for the best texture, as puff pastry can lose crispness when cooled.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

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 filled pastry rounds and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for a few hours before baking. Just add the honey and fresh herbs after baking.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

If puff pastry isn’t available, phyllo dough can be a substitute, but the texture will be different. Alternatively, mini tart shells can work as a base for the goat cheese and honey filling.

Goat Cheese and Honey Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

Delightful Goat Cheese and Honey Bites featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy goat cheese, finished with a honey drizzle, fresh thyme, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. A quick and elegant appetizer that is easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Pastry

• 1 package Frozen Puff Pastry Dough (Thaw before use for the best texture)

Filling

• 12 ounces Goat Cheese (Creamy and tangy filling; cream cheese can be a milder alternative)

Topping

• ½ cup Honey (Adjust based on desired sweetness level)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme (Substitute with rosemary or oregano if needed)
• 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Skip if preferred a gentle flavor)
• ½ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Any preferred nuts work as a substitute, or can be omitted)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out approximately 24 circles using a 2-inch round cutter for uniform bite-sized pieces.
3. Create Wells: Gently indent the center of each round with the back of a teaspoon to create a small well, which will hold the goat cheese filling without spilling over.
4. Fill Pastry Circles: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into each indentation, distributing the cheese evenly to maintain balanced flavor in every bite.
5. Bake: Place the filled pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown, indicating the pastry is crisp and cooked through.
6. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven, let them cool slightly, then drizzle each with about ½ teaspoon of honey, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top, add crushed red pepper flakes if desired for a hint of heat, and finish with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and nuttiness.

Notes

• Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions for best texture and easy handling.
• Adjust honey amount based on sweetness preference.
• Crushed red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder flavor or substituted with a pinch of black pepper.
• Walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture but can be omitted for nut-free options.
• For a milder cheese option, substitute goat cheese with cream cheese.
• Serve these bites warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Keywords: goat cheese bites, honey bites, puff pastry appetizer, easy party appetizer, savory and sweet bites, goat cheese recipes