Save Last New Year's Eve, my neighbor Sarah brought over a plate of these little golden parcels and I ended up hiding three in the kitchen before they even hit the serving table. The combination of warm melty cheese and that sweet spicy kick somehow made the room feel more alive. I've been making them for every gathering since, and people still ask about those mysterious bites from the party.
My sister in law accidentally used super spicy chili crisp the first time she made these and we spent the whole evening passing around milk. Now we always taste the chili crisp first and adjust accordingly. Those slightly too spicy bites became a running joke in our family and now everyone who makes them has to share their spice tolerance story.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: The rind softens beautifully in the oven and adds this subtle earthy flavor that balances the honey. Buy the wedge and cut it yourself instead of pre cubed for better texture.
- Puff pastry: Thaw it completely but keep it chilled while you work. Warm pastry gets sticky fast and becomes frustrating to handle.
- Honey: Use something mild and floral rather than super dark varieties. The flavor really shines through the rich cheese.
- Chili crisp: This is what makes them unforgettable. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste before adding more. The crunchy bits add amazing texture.
- Egg wash: Don't skip this. That golden sheen makes these look professionally made and helps the pastry puff up properly.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. I've tried baking directly on the sheet and cleaning up that cheese mess was not worth it.
- Prep the pastry:
- Cut the thawed puff pastry into 24 equal squares. A pizza cutter works better than a knife here and makes quicker work of it.
- Add the fillings:
- Place a Brie cube in each square and drizzle with honey and chili crisp. The combination might look messy but trust the process.
- Shape them up:
- Fold corners over the filling and pinch to seal. I like leaving tiny openings because watching the cheese bubble through is part of the fun.
- Give them that golden glow:
- Brush each bite with beaten egg and add sesame seeds if you want. The egg wash makes such a difference in how they look and bake.
- Bake until golden:
- 16 to 18 minutes at 400°F until deeply golden and puffed. Your kitchen will smell amazing and people will start drifting in.
- The final touch:
- Let them cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra honey if you want that restaurant presentation. They're irresistible warm.
Save My friend's toddler accidentally grabbed one off the counter last weekend and then proceeded to eat three more while we all pretended not to notice. The way someone's eyes light up when they hit that first spicy bite never gets old. These little bites have become the thing people remember most about our get togethers.
Make Ahead Magic
You can assemble these hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. The pastry actually benefits from chilling. Brush with egg wash just before popping them in the oven.
Cheese Swap Ideas
Camembert works beautifully if you want something slightly funkier. Goat cheese creates this tangy bright version that's perfect for spring. Even a sharp cheddar makes a completely different but delicious appetizer.
Serving Strategy
Set up a little toppings bar with extra honey chili crisp and maybe some fresh herbs. Let people customize their own bites. It becomes a conversation starter.
- Make double what you think you need because they disappear fast
- Have small napkins ready these can get messy
- Pair with something crisp and cold to drink
Save These little bites have this way of bringing people together. Something about sweet spicy food makes conversation flow easier.
Kitchen Help
- → What kind of cheese works best for these bites?
Brie cheese is ideal due to its creamy texture and mild flavor. Camembert or soft goat cheese can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I make the chili crisp at home?
Yes, homemade chili crisp combining fried chili flakes, oil, and aromatics can be prepared for a personalized spicy touch.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven before serving.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
These can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to achieve a golden pastry crust?
Brushing the puff pastry with beaten egg before baking helps achieve a shiny, golden-brown crust.