Goat Cheese & Walnut Pastry Bites
Goat Cheese & Walnut Pastry Bites offer a perfect blend of creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and flaky buttery puff pastry. These elegant, easy-to-make appetizers deliver a gourmet taste experience with simple ingredients, ideal for parties, brunches, or a sophisticated snack.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/European
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free puff pastry)
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz (115g) Goat Cheese, soft and tangy
- 1/2 cup (60g) Walnuts, toasted and chopped coarsely
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry (about 8x8 inches), thawed if frozen
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, finely chopped
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Pinch of Black Pepper, freshly ground
- Prepare the Walnut Topping: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then chop coarsely to keep texture.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the goat cheese with honey, freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped fresh thyme. Gently fold in the cooled chopped walnuts to create a creamy yet crunchy filling.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into uniform squares or circles, based on your preference. Lightly brush each piece with the beaten egg wash for a golden crust.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a small dollop of the goat cheese and walnut mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Optionally, cover with another pastry piece and pinch the edges to seal neatly, forming a pocket.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the assembled bites on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the tops again lightly with egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries puff and turn golden brown.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry straight from the fridge to ensure crisp, flaky results.
- Don’t overfill the pastry to prevent leakage and maintain neat shape.
- Toast walnuts evenly by stirring frequently to avoid burning and maximize flavor.
- Apply thorough egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- Serve bites warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: goat cheese, walnut, puff pastry, appetizer, snack, savory bites, easy recipe, party food, gluten-free option