Pear and Brie Puff Pastry Bites are little pockets of crisp, flaky pastry filled with sweet, tender pears and creamy, melty Brie cheese. The combination of the buttery puff pastry, the juicy fruit, and the rich cheese creates a perfect balance that’s both simple and impressive.
I love making these for gatherings because they come together quickly but always get compliments. A little sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of honey on top just takes them up a notch, and I find that these bites are a great conversation starter. They feel fancy but are super easy to eat—no forks needed!
My favorite way to serve them is warm, straight out of the oven. Everyone loves how the cheese melts and mixes with the sweetness of the pears, and the puff pastry stays so light and flaky. They’re a go-to appetizer when I want to show up with something tasty yet effortless that everyone can enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of your bites and gives the flaky, buttery texture. Frozen puff pastry is great and easy to use. If you can’t find it, phyllo dough can work, but layers won’t be as thick.
Pears: Bartlett and Anjou pears are sweet and juicy, perfect for this recipe. You can try Bosc pears if you want a firmer texture. Just slice them thinly for even cooking.
Brie Cheese: Brie melts beautifully and adds creaminess. If you prefer, Camembert is a good substitute. For a milder touch, cream cheese works, but you’ll lose some of the rich meltiness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: This adds a sweet glaze that balances the cheese and pear. You can skip it for a less sweet version or swap with agave syrup or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.
How Do You Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Golden and Flaky?
To get puff pastry light and crispy, keep it cold until just before baking. This helps the butter layers puff up in the oven.
- Preheat your oven fully before baking for best rise.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry so edges are clean and it rises evenly.
- Don’t overload the pastry with toppings to avoid sogginess.
- Bake on parchment or a non-stick surface to prevent sticking and help air circulate.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding your puff pastry squares and allowing even baking.
- Parchment paper – keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleaning up easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – helps you cut clean, straight edges on the puff pastry.
- Pastry brush – useful for brushing olive oil or butter over the pears for a nice golden finish.
- Mixing bowl – handy if you want to toss pears with spices or oil before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pears for apples for a slightly tart twist that also pairs well with Brie.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on pears before baking for warmth and spice.
- Try blue cheese instead of Brie for a stronger, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet fruit.
- Mix in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the pears for an herby depth.
Pear and Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou), thinly sliced
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in around 30 minutes total, you’ll have these beautiful, tasty bites ready to serve warm and fresh from the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the pastry from sticking and to make clean-up quick.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface for easier handling. Cut it into 6 to 8 squares, depending on how big you want your bites.
3. Layer Cheese and Pears:
Place the pastry squares on your baking sheet. Add sliced Brie onto each square, keeping a little border at the edges so the cheese doesn’t spill out. Then arrange the pear slices on top in a pretty pattern, overlapping them slightly.
4. Season and Add Nuts:
Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. If you like, add chopped walnuts over the pears to give the bites a lovely crunch.
5. Bake and Finish:
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the pastry puffs up gold and crisp, and the Brie melts into the pears. Once out of the oven, drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for a sweet finish.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and pomegranate seeds over the bites for color and a burst of flavor. Serve warm for an impressive appetizer or snack everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This helps the pastry puff up evenly and bake properly.
Can I Substitute Pears with Another Fruit?
Absolutely! Apples or figs make fantastic alternatives with a similar texture and sweetness. Just slice them thinly to ensure they cook well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven to keep the puff pastry crisp instead of microwaving.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for a few hours before baking. Just add the honey and fresh garnishes after baking.
