Mini Apricot Brie Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Apricot Brie Bites are the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and buttery goodness. The creamy brie cheese melts perfectly inside the puff pastry, while the apricot preserves add a burst of sweetness and tartness. The puff pastry provides a flaky, golden shell that’s satisfying with every bite. These mini bites are ideal for entertaining, as they can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a snack for yourself, these little bites are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed if frozen

• 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces

• 1/4 cup apricot preserves or jam

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the puff pastry:

   • Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares, about 2-3 inches per side. You should be able to make about 12-16 squares, depending on the size of your puff pastry sheet.

3. Assemble the bites:

   • Place a small piece of brie in the center of each puff pastry square. Top with a small spoonful of apricot preserves. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary on top for added flavor.

4. Fold the pastry:

   • Fold the corners of each puff pastry square toward the center, pinching the edges to seal the brie and apricot preserves inside. If you prefer, you can leave the pastries open-faced like little tarts.

5. Apply the egg wash:

   • In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush the egg wash over the tops of the pastries. This will give them a beautiful golden, glossy finish when baked.

6. Bake the bites:

   • Bake the mini bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.

7. Brush with butter:

   • Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and brush them with the melted butter for an extra touch of flavor and sheen.

8. Serve and enjoy:

   • Allow the mini apricot brie bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these savory-sweet bites warm for the best experience.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 12-16 mini bites

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Other fruit preserves: If you don’t have apricot preserves, try using raspberry, strawberry, or peach jam for a different flavor profile.

• Nuts: Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, on top of the brie and preserves for an added crunch.

• Herbs: For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even sage for a more savory touch.

• Mini tartlets: Instead of folding the puff pastry, try pressing the squares into mini muffin tins to form little tartlets, adding more of the brie and apricot preserves inside.

Storage/Reheating

Mini Apricot Brie Bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked bites for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply add an extra few minutes to the baking time, as they will be frozen.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?

Yes! You can substitute brie with other soft cheeses like camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mini bites ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is perfect for prepping before a party or gathering.

3. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

Phyllo dough can work as a substitute, but the texture will be lighter and crispier than puff pastry. You may want to layer a few sheets of phyllo for a more substantial bite.

4. How do I make these gluten-free?

To make these bites gluten-free, you can use gluten-free puff pastry, which is available in some stores or can be made at home. Just ensure all your ingredients, like the apricot preserves, are also gluten-free.

5. Can I use other types of fruit preserves?

Yes, you can use a variety of fruit preserves such as fig jam, raspberry, or strawberry to create a different flavor profile.

6. Can I freeze these before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled bites before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

7. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Make sure the brie and apricot preserves are not too runny, and don’t overfill the puff pastry. Sealing the edges well will also help prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.

8. Can I make these without the egg wash?

Yes, you can skip the egg wash if you prefer, though the pastry may not have the same golden, glossy finish. You can also brush the pastries with a bit of milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.

9. How can I make these more savory?

To make these bites more savory, skip the fruit preserves and use caramelized onions, a bit of garlic, or a touch of honey with the brie for a more complex flavor profile.

10. Can I use mini brie wedges instead of cutting the brie?

Yes, you can use mini brie wedges. Just make sure to adjust the amount of filling based on the size of the brie and the puff pastry squares.

Conclusion

Mini Apricot Brie Bites are a delicious and versatile appetizer that combines the richness of brie cheese with the sweetness of apricot preserves and the flakiness of puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just craving something savory-sweet, these bites are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. With endless variations and simple ingredients, you’ll be making these bite-sized treats again and again!