Description
These Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are delightful, flaky puff pastry pockets filled with creamy goat cheese, drizzled with sweet honey, and garnished with fresh thyme and optional crunchy nuts or a spicy kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect as a savory-sweet appetizer or elegant snack, they bake up golden and crisp in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
Filling and Toppings
- One 4-ounce log goat cheese
- Honey (for drizzling)
- Chopped fresh thyme (for garnish)
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the puff pastry bites evenly and achieving a golden, crisp texture.
- Prepare the puff pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry dough to smooth and even thickness, which helps create uniform squares that bake evenly.
- Cut pastry squares. Slice the rolled-out pastry into individual squares, each large enough to hold a slice of goat cheese in the center and to fold the corners over the filling.
- Add goat cheese filling. Place a slice of the goat cheese log in the center of each square; the creamy cheese will melt slightly during baking, creating a luscious filling.
- Form pastry pockets. Fold the corners of each pastry square over the goat cheese to form a neat pocket, trapping the cheese inside to prevent leakage while baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet. Transfer the filled pastry pockets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Drizzle honey. Lightly drizzle honey over the tops of each pastry pocket to add a sweet contrast to the tangy goat cheese.
- Bake until golden. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and flaky.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh thyme, and add optional crushed red pepper flakes or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture before serving warm.
Notes
- Make sure puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to ensure the best rise and flakiness.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut clean edges for a neater appearance.
- Feel free to swap goat cheese with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch, while red pepper flakes bring heat—adjust according to your preference.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
