Introduction

These Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites are elegant, bite-sized treats perfect for any gathering. The flaky puff pastry pairs beautifully with creamy brie and sweet jam, topped with aromatic rosemary for a delightful burst of flavor.

The image shows several small round puff pastry bites arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each bite has a golden-brown, flaky outer crust with visible layers. Inside the center of the puff pastry is a creamy, light yellow cheese topping with a soft, slightly melted texture. Some bites have small bits of herbs sprinkled on top, adding a subtle green contrast. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of crispy edges and smooth filling, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ batch rough puff pastry or classic puff pastry (or store-bought, see notes)
All-purpose flour (for work surface)
Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water or cream)
1 cup jam of choice
4 ounces brie cheese
4-6 sprigs of rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare rough puff pastry or defrost frozen puff pastry. If making your own, use only half the batch for this recipe; freeze the remainder or double the filling for more bites.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and position a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness, roughly a 10-by-14-inch rectangle. For store-bought, follow package instructions and lightly flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Use a 2-3/4-inch circle cutter to stamp out at least 16 circles from the pastry. Arrange circles close together but avoid re-rolling scraps; save them for another use.
Step 5: Dock the pastry by making an indentation in the center of each circle using a 2-inch cutter, pressing gently without cutting through. Then use a fork to prick the center to prevent excessive rising during baking.
Step 6: Place the pastry circles evenly spaced on the prepared sheet and brush each with a thin layer of egg wash.
Step 7: Chill the pastry in the freezer or refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Step 8: Cut the brie into ½-inch pieces, keeping or removing the rind as you prefer, and keep chilled until ready.
Step 9: Place the jam into a pastry bag or a resealable plastic bag for easy piping.
Step 10: Bake the pastry rounds from the freezer for 12 minutes, until puffed but not golden.
Step 11: Quickly create a small well in the center of each puff where it has risen, then pipe about 2 teaspoons of jam into each. Add a piece of brie on top of the jam.
Step 12: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the brie has softened.
Step 13: Remove from the oven and let cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack.
Step 14: Chop the rosemary and sprinkle it over the tarts just before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use different jams such as fig, apricot, or raspberry to complement the brie and add unique flavors.
For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before the final bake.
Remove the brie rind if you prefer a milder texture and flavor.
If you don’t have a pastry bag, a small spoon works well to fill the pastries with jam.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 5 minutes to refresh the pastry’s crispness. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be served slightly warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows several small round puff pastry cups stacked close together on a white marbled surface, each cup having about five visible flaky golden-brown layers forming the sides. The centers are filled with creamy, melted yellow cheese topped with small pieces of soft white cheese and a sprinkle of dried green herbs. The pastry edges have a crisp texture with slightly darker brown spots, and the cheese filling looks smooth and glossy. A sprig of fresh green rosemary is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time. Just thaw according to package instructions and proceed with the recipe.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from over-rising in the center?

Docking the pastry with a smaller cutter and pricking the center with a fork helps keep the center from rising too much, creating a perfect well for the jam and brie.