Goat Cheese and Honey Bites Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fill Pastry Circles: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into each indentation, distributing the cheese evenly to maintain balanced flavor in every bite.
- 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.
- 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