Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Fig Jam, Honey, and Thyme Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a delightful appetizer, this Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Fig Jam, Honey, and Thyme Recipe is the perfect combination of flaky, creamy, sweet, and savory all in one bite. These elegant little parcels bring together buttery puff pastry, luscious brie cheese, the subtle earthiness of fresh thyme, and the irresistible sweetness of fig jam and honey. Each bite feels like a celebration of flavors and textures that’s incredibly easy to make and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Believe it or not, it takes just a handful of simple, quality ingredients to create these stunning bites. Each one plays a crucial role—from the golden puff pastry that provides a light, crispy base to the creamy brie that melts beautifully, enriched by fragrant thyme and balanced by the sweet jam and honey drizzles.

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed): The flaky and buttery foundation that crisps to perfection in the oven.
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash): Adds a golden finish to the pastry, making it irresistibly glossy.
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Helps thin the egg yolk for easy brushing.
• 4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves: Offers a fragrant herbal note that elevates all the flavors.
• ½ cup fig jam (or your favorite jam): Brings a luscious layer of natural sweetness and slight tanginess.
• 8 ounces brie (cut into bite-sized pieces): The creamy, luxurious cheese that melts to heavenly goodness.
• 2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling): Adds a touch of floral sweetness on top for a perfect balance.
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste): Enhances all the flavors with a delicate crunch and seasoning.

How to Make Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Fig Jam, Honey, and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F and placing the rack in the middle position. This ensures even heat distribution so your puff pastry can bake up evenly and golden brown, creating that perfect flaky texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

After thawing your puff pastry sheets, lay them flat on a floured surface. Using a cookie cutter, cut out your shapes—first a larger outer shape and then lightly score a smaller one inside each piece to create charming rims. This rim will help contain the toppings and give your bites a beautiful, structured look.

Step 3: Make and Apply the Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg yolk and water to make your egg wash. Use a pastry brush to coat each puff pastry piece with this wash. This little step adds that gorgeous golden sheen which really makes your bite-sized appetizers pop visually.

Step 4: Sprinkle with Fresh Thyme

Generously sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the egg-washed pastries. The fresh herb flavor provides an aromatic punch that perfectly complements the creamy and sweet elements of the dish.

Step 5: Bake the Puff Pastry

Arrange the thyme-topped puff pastry pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 13 to 14 minutes until they puff up beautifully and turn golden. The smell filling your kitchen will already have everyone’s mouth watering!

Step 6: Prepare the Brie

While the pastry is baking, cut your brie into bite-sized pieces. A helpful tip: placing the brie in the freezer for 15 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier and less sticky. This step ensures each bite has just the right amount of cheese.

Step 7: Create a Pocket in the Puff Pastry

Once the pastries come out of the oven, carefully press down the center of each puff pastry piece with a measuring spoon to create a little pocket. This space will hold the layers of jam and brie without collapsing the crust.

Step 8: Add Fig Jam and Brie

Pop a small dollop of fig jam into the pocket followed by a piece of brie. The jam adds sweetness and moisture, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese.

Step 9: Final Bake to Melt Brie

Return the bites to the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the brie becomes luxuriously melted and gooey—this step is pure magic to taste buds.

Step 10: Finish with Honey, Thyme, and Sea Salt

Remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey, sprinkle with extra thyme leaves, and add flaky sea salt for that delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavor notes. Serve warm and watch them disappear fast!

How to Serve Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Fig Jam, Honey, and Thyme Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs and a light drizzle of honey on top add an inviting, rustic feel that makes these bites look as good as they taste. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is essential to enhance the sweet and savory combination with a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

Pairing these bites with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, bright contrast. Alternatively, a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling champagne beautifully complements the creamy richness and sweetness for more special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Place the bites on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look or arrange them elegantly on a tiered serving tray at your next party. You can also serve them with small bowls of extra fig jam and honey on the side to let guests customize their own flavor levels.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the puff pastry crisp, avoid stacking them while warm and reheat individually rather than all at once.

Freezing

These bites freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, unbaked bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid; then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to enjoy fresh-tasting treats anytime.

Reheating

Reheat bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method restores their crispiness and warms the melted brie without sogginess, keeping every bite deliciously fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?

Absolutely! While brie is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with camembert or even a soft goat cheese for a tangier twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Is fresh thyme necessary?

Fresh thyme offers a vibrant herbal aroma, but if you don’t have it on hand, dried thyme can work in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I prepare these bites vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap puff pastry with a vegan-certified version, and use a plant-based cheese alternative. For the honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works wonderfully as a drizzle.

How far ahead can I prepare these bites before baking?

You can assemble the unbaked bites and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours covered tightly with plastic wrap. Let them come to room temperature before baking to ensure even puffing.

What is the best way to cut the brie?

Freezing the brie for about 15 minutes firms it up, making it much easier to slice evenly without the cheese sticking or squishing. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a perfect appetizer that feels both indulgent and fresh, I cannot recommend the Puff Pastry Brie Bites with Fig Jam, Honey, and Thyme Recipe enough. They are simple to make but always impress with their gorgeous layers of flavor and buttery, flaky texture. Whether for your next party or a cozy night in, these bites will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print