Goat Cheese and Honey Bites Recipe
Goat Cheese and Honey Bites are elegant, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry topped with tangy goat cheese, drizzled with sweet honey, and garnished with fresh thyme. These easy-to-make savory-sweet treats offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, suitable for casual gatherings or sophisticated parties.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
- One 4-ounce log goat cheese
- Honey (for drizzling, about 12 teaspoons)
- Chopped fresh thyme (for garnish, about 2 tablespoons)
Optional Additions
- A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (about 1/4 cup)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth any creases. Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut approximately 24 circles from the dough.
- Create Wells: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation in the center of each pastry circle, forming a small well that will hold the filling.
- Add Goat Cheese: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of goat cheese into each indentation evenly, ensuring each bite has a creamy filling.
- Bake: Arrange the filled pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Drizzle Honey and Garnish: Remove the bites from the oven and immediately drizzle approximately ½ teaspoon of honey over each one. Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme on top to finish.
- Optional Enhancements: For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the honey drizzle for some heat, or top with chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Serve Warm: Serve the bites warm as a sophisticated snack or part of an appetizer spread, allowing guests to enjoy the balanced blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 2 hours before use for easier handling.
- Use full-fat goat cheese for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Adjust honey quantity to suit your desired sweetness level.
- These bites are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly before serving.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Chopped nuts provide texture and nutty flavor; toast them lightly for enhanced taste.
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based soft cheese and verify honey preference or substitute with agave nectar for strict vegan diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites (approx. 60 grams)
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: goat cheese bites, honey bites, puff pastry appetizers, savory sweet snacks, Mediterranean appetizers, easy appetizer recipe