Save The first time I served these at a dinner party, my friend Sarah literally stopped mid-conversation, eyes wide, and asked what was in them. That perfect tension between creamy Brie, sweet honey, and the slow-building heat of chili crisp creates this moment where everyone just goes quiet. I have made them for everything from holiday parties to casual Tuesday nights when I want something that feels special but takes almost no effort.
Last New Year's Eve, I doubled the recipe and still ran out because people kept grabbing two or three every time they walked past the platter. My brother-in-law, who usually sticks to the safest foods at parties, ended up standing by the baking sheet until the last one came out of the oven.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: Keep the rind on, it adds a subtle earthy flavor and helps hold the cheese together as it melts
- Puff pastry: Thaw it completely but work quickly because warm pastry gets sticky and hard to handle
- Honey: A floral honey works beautifully here, but whatever you have in your pantry will be delicious
- Chili crisp: The crunchy bits matter as much as the oil, so do not just use chili flakes
- Egg wash: This is what creates that gorgeous golden finish that makes people think you worked harder than you did
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which saves you from scrubbing melted cheese off metal later
- Prep the pastry:
- Cut the thawed puff pastry into 24 equal squares, working on a lightly floured surface so nothing sticks
- Fill each square:
- Place a Brie cube in the center, then add about ¼ teaspoon honey and a generous ½ teaspoon chili crisp on top
- Seal them up:
- Fold the corners over the filling and pinch to seal, or leave the center slightly open for that rustic look I love
- Add the finish:
- Brush each bite with beaten egg and scatter sesame seeds on top if you want that extra crunch
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until they are deeply golden and puffed, watching closely in the last few minutes
- Let them rest:
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving, which feels impossible but the cheese needs a moment to set slightly
Pin it These became my go-to recipe the year I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time and was completely overwhelmed. Putting these together calmed my nerves, and watching everyone gather around the platter reminded me why I love feeding people.
Make-Ahead Magic
You can assemble these up to 6 hours ahead, cover them tightly, and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. They might need an extra minute or two in the oven if they are very cold.
Cheese Swaps
Camembert works perfectly if you want something slightly funkier, and goat cheese creates this bright tangy version that is incredible in summer. I have even used sharp cheddar when that is what I had, and people still loved them.
Serving Ideas
These disappear fastest when paired with something fresh and crisp to balance the richness. I like to serve them alongside simple raw vegetables or a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Arrange them on a wooden board for an effortless look
- Extra chili crisp on the side for the heat seekers
- Small napkins are essential, these can get messy
Pin it These are the kind of appetizers that make people feel taken care of, and that feeling is better than any compliment. Hope they become a staple in your house too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of Brie is best for these bites?
Use Brie with the rind on for optimal texture and flavor. Soft, creamy Brie melts beautifully inside the pastry.
- → Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and fresh.
- → Is there a substitute for chili crisp?
Sweet chili sauce can replace chili crisp for a milder flavor, maintaining a nice balance of sweet and spice.
- → How do I get the pastry perfectly golden?
Brush the bites with beaten egg before baking and bake until puffed and golden brown, usually 16-18 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- → Are sesame seeds necessary?
Sesame seeds are optional but add a pleasant nutty crunch and decorative touch on top.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Camembert or goat cheese offer good alternatives, each bringing its own unique creaminess and flavor profile.