Ingredients
Cheese
- Brie cheese wheel – 8 ounces
Topping
- Unsalted roasted pistachios, chopped – 1 cup
- Honey – 1/4 cup
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped – 1 tablespoon
- Sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Pastry
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed – 2 sheets
Finishing
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash) – 1
- Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional) – for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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 Topping Mixture: In a small bowl, combine chopped pistachios, honey, finely chopped fresh rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend the sweet and savory flavors evenly.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut the pastry into 3×3-inch squares, ensuring even sizing for uniform baking.
- Assemble Bites: Place a 1-ounce piece of Brie cheese in the center of each puff pastry square. Spoon a generous amount of the pistachio mixture on top of the Brie.
- Seal Pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square towards the center, enclosing the filling. Pinch the edges tightly to seal the Brie and pistachio topping inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the sealed pastry bites with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Arrange the prepared bites on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Optionally, garnish each bite with fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds to add a burst of color and tart flavor before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the Brie is cut into uniform 1-ounce pieces for consistent baking and portion sizes.
- Thaw the puff pastry completely to avoid cracking when folding.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor; dried rosemary may be too potent or dry.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute Brie with a vegan cheese and use a plant-based puff pastry and egg wash replacement.
- These bites can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking enhances flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American