Can I make these completely in advance?

While these bites are best fresh from the oven, you can prepare all components ahead of time. Par-bake the shells up to 4 hours in advance, and assemble and finish baking just before serving. This gives you the perfect balance of convenience and freshness.

Should I remove the rind from the brie?

This is completely up to your preference! The rind is edible and adds a nice textural contrast and deeper flavor. I recommend trying it with at least some rind left on. If you prefer a smoother texture throughout, feel free to remove it.

Can I use other cheeses instead of brie?

Absolutely! Camembert works beautifully as a direct substitute. You could also try goat cheese for a tangier flavor, or even a small cube of blue cheese if you're feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so watch your baking time.

My pastry didn't puff up properly. What went wrong?

The most common culprit is warm pastry. Puff pastry needs to be cold when it hits the hot oven to create those beautiful layers. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the prepared rounds for 15-20 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F.

Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Description

These Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites are elegant and delicious appetizers perfect for any gathering or occasion. With buttery puff pastry, rich and creamy brie cheese, and your favorite sweet jam, these bite-sized treats come together quickly and will impress your guests. Top with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

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Puff Pastry and Basics

1/2 batch rough puff pastry or store-bought puff pastry
All-purpose flour (for the work surface)
Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream)

Filling

1 cup jam-of-choice (e.g., cranberry, plum, or cherry)
4 ounces brie cheese
4–6 sprigs of rosemary

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Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry
If you’re making puff pastry from scratch, prepare only half a batch and freeze the remaining half for future use. Alternatively, defrost frozen puff pastry according to package instructions.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and position the rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick or into a 10-by 14-inch rectangle. If using store-bought puff pastry, follow the package instructions for preparation.
Cut the Pastry Circles
Using a 2¾-inch circle cutter, cut out as many discs as possible from the dough. Aim for at least 16 circles. Avoid re-rolling the scraps to prevent overworking the dough.
Dock the Pastry
Using a 2-inch cutter, lightly indent the center of each round without cutting all the way through. Dock the center of each round with a fork to help control the puff during baking.
Prepare for Baking
Arrange the pastry rounds evenly on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with a thin coat of egg wash. Place the baking sheet in the freezer or refrigerator while the filling is prepped.
Prep the Brie and Jam
Cut the brie into ½-inch cubes, leaving the rind on if desired, and keep refrigerated. Transfer the jam into a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off for easy application.
Initial Bake
Take the chilled pastry rounds from the refrigerator or freezer and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until they are puffed but not golden.
Add Jam and Cheese
Use a cookie cutter or spoon to gently press down the center of each puffed pastry round. Pipe about 2 teaspoons of jam into the indentation and place a cube of brie on top of the jam.
Final Bake
Return the pastries to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie begins to melt.
Finish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle roughly chopped fresh rosemary over the top of the bites for garnish. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Notes

Homemade puff pastry is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought works perfectly as well.
Choose your favorite jam – cranberry, plum, and cherry complement the brie beautifully.
Use a smaller cutter if you’d like to make more, bite-sized tarts. The baking time may vary slightly.
These bites are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven if needed.
For efficiency, use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag to quickly add jam while minimizing the time the pastry spends out of the oven.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 95
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg