These Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers combine buttery pastry with creamy cheese, topped with honey and thyme for an impressive starter. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the perfect elegant yet easy party food!
Why You’ll Love Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
These bite-sized delights strike the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. They require minimal ingredients but deliver maximum flavor impact with their flaky pastry and creamy, tangy filling.
Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (from a 17.3 oz package)
- 8 oz goat cheese log, softened slightly
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, fig jam, or balsamic glaze
Tools Used to Make Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter (2-inch diameter)
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Measuring spoons
- Zester (if using lemon zest)
How to Make Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
- Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the pastry. You should get approximately 16-20 circles.
- Make the goat cheese filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of thyme leaves, lemon zest (if using), and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the appetizers: Place the pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Add a small teaspoon of the goat cheese mixture to the center of each pastry round, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the visible edges of the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Add final touches: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle with remaining thyme leaves and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Variations of Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
- Mediterranean Style: Top with sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of oregano before baking.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a small dollop of hot honey and chopped pecans after baking.
- Fall Harvest: Top with fig jam and prosciutto before baking for a seasonal twist.
- Berry Fresh: Add a small spoonful of berry compote after baking for a sweet-tart flavor.
- Savory Herb: Mix fresh rosemary and minced garlic into the goat cheese for an aromatic variation.
- Breakfast Bites: Top with a small piece of smoked salmon and fresh dill for brunch-worthy appetizers.
Serving Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
Arrange these elegant bites on a wooden board or serving platter for a stunning presentation at your next gathering. They’re perfect for cocktail parties, holiday celebrations, or even as a starter for an intimate dinner party. Pair them with crispy champagne cocktails or a light white wine for the perfect complement.
These appetizers are best served warm or at room temperature within a few hours of baking. The good news is they come together so quickly that you can easily prepare them shortly before guests arrive. If you need to work ahead, you can cut the pastry rounds and prepare the goat cheese mixture up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving alongside cheesy parmesan mozzarella bites or watermelon feta balsamic canapes for a variety of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
While these are best freshly baked, you can prepare all components ahead of time. Cut the pastry rounds and mix the goat cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store the pastry covered in the refrigerator and the filling in an airtight container. Assemble and bake just before serving for the flakiest results.
My puff pastry isn’t rising properly. What went wrong?
The most common issue is that the pastry wasn’t cold enough when it went into the oven. Puff pastry needs to be cool when baked so the butter layers can create steam and lift. If your kitchen is warm, consider placing the assembled appetizers in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Can I use different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese makes a milder alternative, while blue cheese offers a stronger flavor. Feta cheese can also work well when crumbled and mixed with a bit of cream cheese for spreadability.
How do I store leftover appetizers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to re-crisp the pastry. Note that they won’t be quite as flaky as when freshly baked.
Can I freeze these appetizers?
Yes! Freeze them unbaked after assembly (without egg wash) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time, and apply egg wash just before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers bring elegant simplicity to your entertaining menu without hours in the kitchen. With their perfect balance of flaky, creamy, sweet, and savory, they’ll become your go-to impressive starter!
More Recipes to Try!
- Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip – Another crowd-pleasing appetizer
- Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants – Perfect for brunch gatherings
- Fresh Spring Salad with Herb Vinaigrette – A light accompaniment to rich appetizers
- Churro Bites Recipe – Sweet treat for dessert
- California Turkey Club Wraps – Great for a casual lunch spread
WANT TO TRY THIS Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers RECIPE?
PIN IT TO YOUR SUMMER, TO SAVE FOR LATER!
FIND ME ON PINTEREST FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES! I AM ALWAYS PINNING :)!
Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
Elegant bites with flaky pastry and honey-drizzled goat cheese. Ready in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz goat cheese log, softened
- 3 tbsp honey, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll out pastry, cut into 2-inch rounds (16-20 circles).
- Mix goat cheese with 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp thyme, lemon zest, and pepper.
- Place pastry rounds on baking sheet, add cheese mixture to centers.
- Brush edges with egg wash. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Drizzle with remaining honey, sprinkle with thyme and salt.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Quick Tips
Make ahead: Prepare components 24 hours in advance, assemble and bake before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes.