Brie and pear puff pastry bites

Brie and pear puff pastry bites are an enchanting, timeless and magical pairing. They are a unique, sweet and delicious creation to celebrate the fall season.

As you take a bite, the puff pastry shell crumbles beneath your fingertips, giving way to the divine harmony of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth brie with the sweet taste of ripe pears, all perfectly drizzled with Linden honey and sprinkled with delicious sliced almonds. These little delights are indeed like a sweet memory of autumn, tasty, pure and simple.

They’re perfect for get-togethers, special occasions, or whenever you feel like treating yourself to a special dessert. Oh, and did I mention this recipe is one of the easiest to make and that it’s all done in less than half an hour?

a culinary representation of brie and pear puff pastry bites, sprinkled with honey and almonds on a plate
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Pears and roses

Pear season arrives like a whisper, gently signaling the end of sunny golden days. It seems to echo the passage of time—a gentle reminder that summer is fading, making way for autumn’s deeper flavors and slower pace.

In mythology, pears symbolize wealth, femininity and fertility. In Europe, fruit trees were planted at weddings; they were believed to strengthen the marriage and aid fertility. An apple tree was planted for each boy born and a pear tree for every girl.

Here are a few facts about pears you probably didn’t know:

  • Pears are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to 5,000 B.C. in China. They grow in over 3000 different varieties.
  • They are related to apples, quinces, and roses and belong to the rose family Rosaceae.
  • They ripen from the inside out and continue to ripen after being harvested.
  • The pear tree can live for up to 400 years.
  • In Greek mythology, pears were sacred to Hera, the goddess of marriage and family. They were also linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, representing sensuality and beauty.
  • They’ve been used in Chinese medicine to cool down the body, moisten the lungs and remove mucus.
  • The first fruit tree planted in North America was a European pear tree (Pyrus communis) from England in 1620.
Image of a pear fruit, growing on a branch of pear tree with leaves in the background

Why you’ll adore these brie and pear puff pastry bites

We’ve already tried some puff pastry recipes like delicious fruit tarts with puff pastry, puff pastry cinnamon pinwheels, colorful puff pastry pizza tarts and saffron milk cap appetizers. Still, brie and pear puffs, with their gentle and unique aroma, were a clear winner among all.

Let’s name a few reasons why you’re going to fall head over heels for these beauties:

  • The taste. There’s undoubtedly something special about this combination. It stands out from all the appetizers you’ve ever tried. The alchemy of sweet pears dancing with brie cheese is special, unforgettable and unique. The flavors are subtle yet compelling, rich but never overwhelming.
  • The ease. Pre-made puff pastry sheets and minimal prep make this recipe a breeze. You don’t need a degree in culinary science to make them; even a beginner can do it. Forget the messy kitchen; these puffs won’t leave any mess behind.
  • The simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll effortlessly prepare a delicious, mouthwatering dessert that has the power to impress. Trust me, these bites will impress even the greatest critic – you.
  • The quickness. They are a perfect choice for a last-minute dessert. Simple and elegant, these don’t require more than 2o minutes spent in the kitchen.
  • The versatility. Pears can be replaced with other fruits or combined with various cheeses. The crunchy topping can be chosen from any nuts you have at hand.
  • The convenience. They’re just as delicious as they look, and they will make an extraordinary dessert whether you serve them hot right out of the oven or make them a day ahead.
image of gorgeous brie and pear puff pastry bites served with fresh pears, almonds and honey

What you need to make them

BRIE – Opt for a high-quality brie with a soft, buttery texture. Avoid overly aged or spicy varieties, as they can overpower the delicate sweetness of the pears. Baked brie tastes like a dream when melted in the oven.

PEARS -We used a smaller, old variety of pears that fell from our old pear tree in September after heavy rainfall. We strongly suggest using organic and sturdier pears (not overripe) for this recipe.

PUFF PASTRY – Store-bought puff pastry sheets work well for convenience, but make sure they’re made with real butter for the best flavor and puff. You can also use frozen puff pastry. If you have time, homemade puff pastry can transform your bites into amazing, crunchy masterpieces.

HONEY – Organic Linden honey was used to drizzle on these delicious bites.

SLICED ALMONDS – These have a mild, gentle aroma and will absolutely add some rich crunch to your puff pastry.

Variations and substitutions

These little beauties are so adaptable that you can use any other fruits, nuts or cheeses you have at hand. Or, even better, combine the pears with more fruits for a richer flavor.

They can be mixed with (or replaced) apples, plums, figs and raspberries. Just make sure the fruit’s taste pairs well with the cheese. A great combination is pears with brie and chestnuts.

Brie cheese can be mixed or replaced with camembert (it pairs excellently with pears), a little tangier goat cheese or gorgonzola for a bolder flavor.

You can bake the puff pastry shells in advance and fill them with fresh cheese and raw pears.

Speaking of nuts, you can use any kind instead of almonds. Toasted walnuts would be perfect for a genuine traditional treat, but hazelnuts or pistachios will also work as long as they pair well with the choosen fruit.

Honey can be replaced with maple syrup, or you can skip it entirely if you prefer the savory side of the brie cheese.

image of crunchy brie and pears puff pastry bites

Brie and pear puff pastry recipe

PREPARATION

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 200 °C/392 °F with the fan on.

STEP 2: Roll out a chilled puff pastry sheet and split it into twelve square pieces using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.

image showing how to slice the puff pastry sheet into smaller pieces to fit the muffin tin

STEP 3: Carefully place the squares onto a muffin baking sheet. Don’t press them hard to the bottom so they won’t stick to the tin.

Puff pastry is created of many thin layers of dough and fat. When placed in a hot oven, the water in the butter and dough turns into steam. The steam expands between the layers of dough, causing the pastry to rise and “puff.” The butter that melts during baking creates a crisp, flaky texture.

Therefore, you need to chill the puff pastry before baking. It’s best to return the baking sheet to the refrigerator so the butter stays solid while you prepare the brie and pear filling. This way, it will bake and puff perfectly.

image showing how to place the pieces into a muffin tin before loading them with brie and pears

STEP 4: Next, slice the pears and brie into small pieces, small enough to load them into the puff pastry shells.

If you’re using fresh, organic pears like we did, they will quickly turn brown once sliced. But don’t worry – this won’t be visible once baked, and the cheese that melts between them will cover them almost completely.

image of how to slice the brie cheese and pears into smaller pieces

STEP 5: Remove your muffin tin from the refrigerator and fill the cups with pear slices and pieces of cheese. We first loaded the pears and added brie on top; as it melts, it will find its way all the way to the bottom.

image showing how to fill the bites with pieces of brie cheese and pears

BAKING

STEP 6: Bake at 200 °C/392 °F for 12-14 minutes. When done, your puff pastry bites should look crispy and golden at the edges.

Set them aside to cool a little before you transfer them to a serving plate.

STEP 7: Lastly, drizzle them with honey. We used organic linden honey, which created a unique aroma worth dying for!

And finally, sprinkle your beautiful puffs with sliced almonds for that irresistible crunchy bite.

image showing how to drizzle the bites with honey and sprinkle with almond slices

STEP 8: Let your delicious bites chill for a moment more, then serve and enjoy!

They taste gorgeously delicious whether you eat them warm or snap them the next day as a snack.

image of crunchy brie and pears puff pastry bites

Tips and notes to remember

  • Keep your puff pastry chilled. It will be easier to work with and keep the butter solid within the dough. This helps maintain the layers of butter and dough, allowing the pastry to rise properly. If the pastry becomes too warm, the butter will melt too soon, causing the layers to blend and preventing the dough from puffing up as crisply as it should.
  • Slice the cheese and pears small enough. You won’t be able to stack larger pieces into the puff pastry shells. You can pre-freeze the brie to make it easier to handle.
  • Don’t overfill. If there is too much filling in the shells, the pastry might get too moist and won’t puff as crispy as you wish.
  • Grease the muffin tin. Although this is unnecessary, removing your bites from the muffin tin will be easier once baked. You can also use pieces of parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking to the tin.
  • Rotate the pan while baking. It will ensure all your puff pastry bites are baked evenly on both sides of the muffin sheet.
  • Watch it. Puff pastry needs about 12-14 minutes of baking at 200 °C/392 °F, but even a half-minute longer can quickly make it look burned.
  • Let them rest for a few minutes after baking. It will be easier to work with, and the brie will slightly cool before you bite into it. However, drizzle them with honey while they are still warm.
  • Add herbs or spices. Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the savory note, and add nutmeg or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm touch.
image of freshly baked bites drizzled with honey and almonds

Serving suggestions

If you’re serving these gorgeous bites as an appetizer, brie and pear puff pastry pairs perfectly with a glass of Chianti, Muscat or Champagne.

For those harvesting and drying herbs for tea over the summer, elderflower tea’s gentle floral fragrance adds a refreshing lift to the Brie’s richness.

When served as a dessert, we suggest serving them after a delicious meal that celebrates the autumn season. We’ll pair ours with mushroom tagliatelle, porcini rice, or the glorious ricet bean and barley soup.

brie and pear puff pastry bites served on a white plate

Storage

Although your bites taste best when served freshly baked, you can store them in an airtight container (ensuring they are wrapped in a paper bag or parchment paper) for up to two days. Storing them in the refrigerator will prolong the storage for another day.

Once baked, the bites will soak up the moisture from the pears and brie cheese; therefore, freezing them is not recommended.

If you wish to prepare them in advance, we suggest you create the shells and freeze them raw in a muffin tin. Once solid, store them in a bag. When needed, quickly thaw them, fill them up with brie and pears and bake them as described above.

This way, you will have your delicious dessert prepared in minutes.

brie and pear puff pastry bite with a bowl of almond slices in the background

Brie and pear puff pastry bites FAQs

Can brie be left at room temperature to ripen?

Yes, brie can ripen at room temperature in a few days. However, you shouldn’t cut it, as this will stop the ripening process, and you should also be mindful of bacterial growth, which can happen very quickly.

Can I use dried pears for this recipe?

Yes! However, the consistency and sweetness will differ from using fresh pears. Dried pears are more concentrated in flavor and chewier, so you might want to rehydrate them slightly before baking. This will add a unique twist, but remember, fresh pears offer a juicier, more delicate contrast to the creamy Brie.

Why do my puff pastry bites look soggy?

This might happen due to several factors. If the filling is too wet, such as overly juicy pears or too much cheese, the pastry can absorb moisture instead of crisping up. Also, don’t underbake; these puffs need to bake at a high temperature to puff and become crispy. In short, make sure your oven is preheated and your puff pastry is chilled before baking. Avoid overcrowding the bites so the heat can circulate properly.

Sweet food you might like

Puff pastry berry tarts

Puff pastry cinnamon pinwheels

Cherry cheese babka

Sweet empanada cookies

Tiramisu speculoos

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Brie and pear puff pastry bites

Delicious sweet-savory brie and pear puff pastry bites
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

EQUIPMENT

  • 1 muffin baking tray

INGREDIENTS 

  • 1 puff pastry sheet
  • 170 g Brie cheese
  • 200 g pears
  • 5 tbsp sliced almonds
  • 2 tbsp linden honey

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C/392°F with the fan on.
  • Roll out the chilled puff pastry and cut it into 12 squares using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
  • Gently place the pastry squares into a muffin tin without pressing them too firmly, to prevent sticking. Chill the tin in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling to keep the butter solid for a perfect puff.
  • Slice the pears and brie into small pieces.
  • Remove the muffin tin from the fridge and fill each pastry cup with pear slices and brie, placing the cheese on top so it melts through during baking.
  • Bake at 200°C/392°F for 12-14 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crispy at the edges.
  • Let the brie and pear puff pastry bites cool slightly before transferring to a plate.
  • Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sliced almonds for extra crunch.
  • Let the bites rest briefly, then serve warm or enjoy later as a snack. They’re delicious either way! Enjoy!

NOTES

Keep puff pastry cold. It will ensure the butter stays solid, creating those flaky, crunchy and puffy layers when baked. 
Slice the cheese and pears into small pieces so they fit neatly into the pastry. Pre-freezing the Brie can help with easier handling.
Don’t overfill. Too much filling can make the pastry soggy and prevent it from puffing properly.
Grease the muffin tin. While not necessary, it helps the bites release more easily. You can also use pieces of parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Rotate the pan. Turning the muffin tin halfway through baking ensures even browning.
Watch the bake time. Puff pastry bakes quickly, in 12-14 minutes at 200°C/392°F. Be careful not to overbake.
Cool them briefly. Allow the bites to rest before serving, but drizzle with honey while still warm.
Add herbs or spices. Enhance the flavor with thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Storage: They’re best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Avoid freezing, as the moisture from the filling affects texture.
Author: Food nutters
Calories: 610kcal
Cost: $4
Course: Appetizer, Dessert
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: almond, cheese, honey, pear, puff pastry

Nutrition

Serving: 190g | Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 34g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 573mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 265IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 4mg

Our brie and pear puff pastry bites were featured on Crazy Little Love Birds’ blog, Estelle’s Homemade on a Weeknight’s blog, Life and Linda blog, Gma’s photo website, My Wee Abode and Creative Jewish Mums‘ blog.

If you liked the recipe, please rate it in the comments below.

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Join the Conversation

    1. Thanks Melynda!

  1. Estelle Forrest says:

    5 stars
    This sounds absolutely divine! I am featuring your post on my first linky post for the #HomeMattersParty, hope to see you there!

    1. Thanks Estelle, it will be a pleasure to visit!

  2. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness. I have pinned this recipe for future reference. I will plan on making this real soon. Your images are just lovely too!
    Thank you for sharing!!

    1. Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’ll try it out and I hope you’ll love it as much as we do! And thanks for the kind words about the photos—it means a lot. Happy weekend!😊

  3. 5 stars
    Mariama, I must admit, you always have delicious recipes posted, and I can’t wait to make this. When I visit your blog, I get excited about the newest recipe. Thank you for sharing your recipe with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #55. We’re always happy when you join us there. 🙂

    1. Thank you so much! Your kind words made my day and I’m really glad to hear you enjoy the recipes. I absolutely love joining The Crazy Little Lovebirds party and I’m happy to be a part of it. Hopefully I’ll have enough time to write a post about pear strudel that we made yesterday. Wishing you a happy Sunday:)

      1. You’re very welcome! It’s always a pleasure having you join the Crazy Little Lovebirds link party. I’m happy to let you know that your recipe will be featured at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #56 tomorrow (Friday). I can’t wait to try this recipe! Have a beautiful rest of the week.

        1. Wow, thanks, a lot! I’m so happy to hear that! It’s always a joy to be a part of Crazy Little Lovebirds. And wishing you a beautiful weekend too!

  4. 5 stars
    I love brie, pears, and puff pastry separately, and they sound so interesting together! Yum! Pinning this recipe. Visiting from the Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.

    1. Thank you Jennifer, you should absolutely give it a try with honey and almonds too!

  5. This looks so delicious and perfect for fall. I am happy to feature your recipe at Love Your Creativity. Happy first day of fall.

    1. Thank you Linda! We’re so happy to be featured, and quite busy with fall recipes. Really appreciate it!

  6. 5 stars
    They look amazing, I love warm brie with fruit. I definitely will be giving this a try. I’m also posting you as one of my favorite blogs this week. 🙂

    1. Someone said these have that “out of world” kind of taste. So please do let us know how they turned out for you. Thank you for the post!

  7. 5 stars
    Love this easy recipe for brie and pear puff pastry! And I REALLY appreciate all the information in your post! I’m so glad you joined us at Tuesday Turn About this week! I hope we get to see you each week, and I’m delighted to be featuring your post at this week’s party! Pinned, followed, and subscribed!

    1. Wooow, thank you so much Julie!

  8. 5 stars
    I will have to say that you’ve got me! These actually look amazing! I really like simple ingredients, and finding a good way to pair them—wonderful!

    Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at the Homestead Blog Hop 515!

    Have a wonderful week!

    Laurie

    1. Thank you Laurie, yes, this recipe is very simple and quick to make, but the taste of these bites is unique. And good. Wishing you a wonderful weekend too.

5 from 8 votes

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