Description
These Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that combines creamy goat cheese with the natural sweetness of honey, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an easy party snack or elegant appetizer, they offer a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors enhanced by fresh herbs and a touch of sea salt.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheese Mixture
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
- Sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy clean-up.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to slightly increase its size. Cut the pastry into 16 equal squares to create bite-sized portions.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, optional cream cheese, honey, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Bites: Place a teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. You can either fold the corners up slightly for a neat pouch shape or leave them open-faced for a rustic appearance.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each pastry square with this mixture to help them brown nicely in the oven.
- Add Herbs and Salt: Sprinkle fresh chopped thyme or rosemary over each bite followed by a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile.
- Bake: Place the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Drizzle Honey: Allow the bites to cool slightly on a wire rack. Before serving, drizzle additional honey over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- These bites work wonderfully as appetizers or party snacks, combining sweet and savory flavors.
- For an added twist, consider topping each bite with a small dollop of fig jam or a toasted pecan before baking.
- Make sure to keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
