Can I make these completely ahead of time?

While they're best fresh from the oven, you can par-bake the pastry shells earlier in the day, then add the fillings and complete the final bake just before serving. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked cut pastry rounds and bake from frozen when needed.

What's the best way to cut brie for these bites?

Chill the brie well in the refrigerator first to make it firmer and easier to cut. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts if it gets sticky. Each piece should be about ½-inch in size - not too big or it won't melt properly.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

While phyllo would create a different texture, it could work. You'd need to layer several sheets with butter between them to get enough structure. Puff pastry really is ideal for this recipe, though, as it creates that perfect buttery, sturdy base.

My puff pastry didn't rise properly - what went wrong?

A few culprits could be at play: the pastry wasn't cold enough before baking, the oven temperature wasn't hot enough, or perhaps you didn't dock the centers properly. Remember that puff pastry needs cold temperature and high heat to create those beautiful layers.

Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Name: Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: ½ batch rough puff pastry or classic puff pastry (or store-bought); All-purpose flour (for work surface); 1 cup jam-of-choice (cranberry, plum, or cherry recommended); 4 ounces brie cheese; 4-6 sprigs of rosemary; Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream)

These Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites are the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance – crispy, buttery pastry topped with sweet jam and creamy melted brie, finished with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. They come together in under an hour and will absolutely wow your guests (or just treat yourself to something special). These little flavor bombs are perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or when you need an impressive appetizer that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive Yet Simple: These bites look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare components ahead of time and assemble when needed.
Customizable: Switch up the jam flavors to match your preferences or the season.
Perfect Party Food: Elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for casual gatherings.
Balanced Flavors: The buttery pastry, sweet jam, and creamy brie create the perfect bite with a touch of herby rosemary to cut through the richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: The foundation of our bites – use homemade for that extra-special touch or store-bought for convenience. Either way, you’ll get that gorgeous flaky texture.
Jam: The sweet component that balances the savory pastry and cheese. Cranberry, plum, or cherry jams work brilliantly with brie, offering that perfect sweet-tart contrast.
Brie Cheese: The star of the show – creamy, slightly funky, and melts beautifully. Keep the rind on for extra texture and flavor, or remove it for a milder experience.
Rosemary: This fragrant herb adds a sophisticated touch and cuts through the richness of the cheese and pastry.
Egg Wash: Creates that beautiful golden shine on the pastry and helps seal the edges.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a light dusting for your work surface to prevent sticking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

Cheese Swap: Replace brie with camembert, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Jam Varieties: Fig, apricot, raspberry, or blackberry jam all work beautifully with brie.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios over the brie before serving for extra crunch.
Savory Version: Skip the jam and top with caramelized onions and thyme instead of rosemary.
Holiday Spin: Add a tiny drizzle of honey and some cranberries for a festive holiday appetizer.

How to Make Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness (roughly a 10×14-inch rectangle). Using a 2¾-inch circle cutter, stamp out as many circles as possible – you should get at least 16. Place your cutter stamps close together to minimize waste.

Step 2: Create the Indentations

Take a smaller 2-inch cutter and press it into the center of each pastry circle, making an indentation but not cutting all the way through. Then dock the center with a fork to prevent excessive rising during baking.

Step 3: Prep for Baking

Transfer your prepped pastry circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush each one with egg wash, then pop the sheet into the freezer or refrigerator while you prepare the fillings.

Step 4: Par-Bake the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack in the middle position. Bake the chilled pastry rounds for 12 minutes until they’ve puffed up but aren’t yet golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Fillings

Working quickly, press down the puffed centers of each pastry. Pipe about 2 teaspoons of jam into each indentation, then place a piece of brie in the center.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the sheet to the oven for another 5-8 minutes until the pastry turns golden and the brie gets nice and melty.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the bites cool slightly, then transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped rosemary just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep It Cold: Keep your puff pastry cold until the moment you need to use it. Warm pastry is sticky and won’t puff properly.
Don’t Skip Docking: Those little fork pricks are crucial for creating the perfect indentation for your fillings.
Work Quickly: Have all your ingredients ready to go when the pastry comes out for its first bake. You want to minimize the time it spends out of the oven.
Cheese Prep: Cut your brie when it’s cold for cleaner cuts, and don’t worry about removing the rind unless you really want to.
Even Sizing: Try to cut your brie into similarly sized pieces so they melt evenly during the second bake.
Rosemary Application: Add the rosemary right before serving so it stays fragrant and doesn’t wilt in the oven.

How to Serve

These versatile bites shine in many settings:

Appetizer Spread

Serve on a wooden board alongside a selection of other finger foods like olives, nuts, and fruit for a beautiful appetizer spread.

Wine Pairing

These pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Brunch Star

They make an unexpected and delightful addition to a brunch spread, especially when made with berry jams.

Holiday Table

Arrange them in a wreath shape on a round platter for a festive holiday presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pastry circles (after cutting and docking, before adding fillings) for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated bites in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps up again. Avoid the microwave as it will make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these completely ahead of time?

While they’re best fresh from the oven, you can par-bake the pastry shells earlier in the day, then add the fillings and complete the final bake just before serving. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked cut pastry rounds and bake from frozen when needed.
What’s the best way to cut brie for these bites?

Chill the brie well in the refrigerator first to make it firmer and easier to cut. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts if it gets sticky. Each piece should be about ½-inch in size – not too big or it won’t melt properly.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

While phyllo would create a different texture, it could work. You’d need to layer several sheets with butter between them to get enough structure. Puff pastry really is ideal for this recipe, though, as it creates that perfect buttery, sturdy base.
My puff pastry didn’t rise properly – what went wrong?

A few culprits could be at play: the pastry wasn’t cold enough before baking, the oven temperature wasn’t hot enough, or perhaps you didn’t dock the centers properly. Remember that puff pastry needs cold temperature and high heat to create those beautiful layers.

Final Thoughts

These Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites truly embody that perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. They require minimal effort but deliver maximum impact, making them my go-to for everything from impromptu gatherings to holiday celebrations. The combination of flaky pastry, sweet jam, and creamy brie is truly magical, and the fresh rosemary adds that perfect finishing touch. Give them a try – I’m confident they’ll become a staple in your entertaining repertoire!