These Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, flaky, and creamy. They’re buttery, cheesy, and just the right amount of fancy without any fuss. I love making them for little get-togethers, brunch, or even just when I want something cozy with a glass of wine. They’re fast, easy, and honestly kind of addictive.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe reminds me of cozy fall nights or fancy-feeling snacks with a glass of wine after a long day. It’s one of those things that looks impressive, but it’s actually super low-effort. The sweet apples and melty brie in that buttery puff pastry? Chef’s kiss.
- Takes less than 30 minutes
- Only a few ingredients
- Flaky, melty, sweet, and savory all at once
- Feels like something from a bakery or wine bar
- Easy to make ahead
What You’ll Need
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 small apple (like Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 4 oz brie, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Servings and Cook Time
Servings: Makes 9 bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Macros (Per Bite – Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Substitutions and Variations
- Use pear slices instead of apple
- Add a thin layer of fig jam under the brie
- Swap thyme for rosemary
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness
- Add crushed walnuts on top before baking
Tools Required
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
Make Ahead Tips
Assemble everything except the egg wash and baking, then cover the tray and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake. You can also freeze unbaked bites and bake straight from frozen — just add 3–5 more minutes to the bake time.
How to Make Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Step 1: Sauté the Apples
In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced apple, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and lightly golden. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 9 equal squares.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place 1 cube of brie and 1 or 2 slices of the sautéed apple in the center of each puff pastry square. Sprinkle with a few thyme leaves if using.
Step 4: Fold the Corners
Bring the corners of each puff pastry square up toward the center and gently pinch to seal into a loose bundle, leaving a small opening at the top.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Whisk 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush the tops of each puff pastry bite with the egg wash.
Step 6: Bake
Place the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 14–16 minutes until golden and puffed.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon honey and serve warm on a round plate.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp back up. Avoid microwaving — it’ll make the pastry soggy. You can also freeze unbaked bites and bake straight from frozen.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Puff pastry rises and gets flaky because of the thin layers of butter in the dough. The brie melts into a creamy, rich center, while the apples caramelize just enough with the butter and sugar to give that sweet contrast. The egg wash helps everything turn golden and glossy.
Common Mistakes
- Not thawing the puff pastry enough – it’ll crack or tear when unfolding
- Using too much filling – it’ll leak out during baking
- Skipping the egg wash – the tops won’t get that pretty golden finish
- Overcooking the apples – they’ll turn mushy instead of lightly caramelized
What to Serve With
- Sparkling wine or a crisp cider
- Arugula salad with balsamic glaze
- A small cheese board
- Roasted nuts or marinated olives
- A bowl of butternut squash soup
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, refrigerate on the tray, then bake when ready.
Can I use another cheese?
Goat cheese or camembert also work great here.
Do I need to peel the apple?
Nope, the skin softens as it bakes and adds color.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?
It’ll work, but it won’t puff. Stick to puff pastry for best results.
Final Thoughts
These Apple and Brie Puff Pastry Bites hit every flavor note — buttery, creamy, fruity, and crisp. They’re easy to make but feel special enough to serve at any gathering. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out or if you added your own twist!