Appetizers

Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites

Name: Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet (approx. 10-12 oz / 280-340g), thawed Puff Pastry; 8 oz (225g), log, rind removed, sliced into rounds Goat Cheese (Chèvre); 2 tbsp (optional, for drizzling) Honey; 1 tbsp, chopped (or rosemary) Fresh Thyme; 1 beaten (for egg wash) Large Egg; 0.25 tsp, freshly ground Black Pepper; 1 tsp (for brushing surface) Olive Oil

35 min4 servingsEasy350 cal

These elegant and simple French appetizers feature creamy goat cheese nestled in flaky puff pastry, often accompanied by a touch of honey or herbs. Perfect for entertaining, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Feuilletés, or puff pastry bites, are a beloved staple in French cuisine, frequently found on bistro menus or served as sophisticated apéritifs. The classic pairing of goat cheese (chèvre) with crisp pastry is celebrated for its rustic charm and refined taste, embodying the French philosophy of elevating simple, high-quality ingredients into something exquisite.

vegetarianAppetizerFrenchpuff pastryGoat Cheese

Ingredients

1 sheet (approx. 10-12 oz / 280-340g), thawed Puff Pastry
8 oz (225g), log, rind removed, sliced into rounds Goat Cheese (Chèvre)
2 tbsp (optional, for drizzling) Honey
1 tbsp, chopped (or rosemary) Fresh Thyme
1 beaten (for egg wash) Large Egg
0.25 tsp, freshly ground Black Pepper
1 tsp (for brushing surface) Olive Oil

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto the parchment paper.
3
Cut the pastry into 8-12 squares or circles, depending on your desired size for individual bites.
4
Place a slice of goat cheese in the center of each pastry piece.
5
Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash.
6
Fold two opposite corners of the pastry over the cheese, or crimp the edges if making circles, to partially enclose the filling, leaving some cheese exposed.
7
Arrange the feuilletés on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the exposed pastry with the remaining egg wash.
8
Sprinkle the goat cheese and pastry with fresh thyme and freshly ground black pepper.
9
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is soft and slightly caramelized.
10
Carefully remove from the oven. If desired, drizzle lightly with honey before serving warm as an appetizer.

Chef's Tips

•Storage: Leftover feuilletés can be stored in an an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for 5-7 minutes for best results.
•Substitutions: For an added layer of flavor, try placing a thin slice of fig, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, or a dollop of fig jam under the goat cheese before baking.
•Fun Fact: Puff pastry, or 'pâte feuilletée', is said to have been invented by accident in the 17th century by a French pastry chef's apprentice named Claudius Gelée, while making a special bread.
•Quick Prep: To save time, look for pre-rolled or pre-cut puff pastry squares or rounds at your local grocery store.