Elevate any gathering with these light, flaky pastry bites featuring creamy brie and a crunchy pistachio coating. Baked to golden perfection, each piece is finished with a smooth fig and honey glaze that delivers just the right mix of sweet and savory. Simple to assemble and impressive to serve, they offer elegant flavor in a single bite.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Comes together quickly in a short amount of time
Looks refined but is easy enough to make without stress
Balanced flavors of buttery pastry, rich cheese, and crisp nuts
Uses ingredients that are easy to source
This appetizer made its debut during a holiday movie night and quickly earned a permanent spot on the entertaining menu.
Ingredients
170 g Brie Cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
65 g finely chopped Pistachios (unsalted recommended)
2 tbsp Fig Jam (thick, rich variety preferred)
1 tbsp mild floral honey
1 large beaten egg
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 200°C (400°F). Prepare a baking tray by lining with parchment paper so nothing sticks and the pastry browns evenly. -
Shape the Pastry Cups
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Slice into 2-inch squares, then gently press each one into a mini muffin pan to form small cups. Avoid pulling or stretching too much so the layers rise well in the oven. -
Coat the Brie
Roll each brie cube into chopped pistachios, pressing lightly so the nuts adhere. Place one coated cube into the center of each pastry cup for even melting and balanced flavor per bite. -
Brush and Bake
Lightly coat the outer edges of the pastry with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cups have risen and turned golden brown. The brie should look soft and melted, with the pistachios lightly toasted. -
Make the Glaze
Stir fig jam and honey together in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust with a splash more honey if needed to keep the glaze easy to drizzle. -
Serve
Once the bites come out of the oven, drizzle the fig-honey glaze over the top immediately while warm. Serve right away for the best combination of crisp pastry and melted cheese.
Helpful Notes
Let brie rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cubing for cleaner slicing
Mini muffin pans help shape consistent bites, but pastry can also be rounded and baked flat if needed
Toast pistachios lightly before coating if you want an even stronger nut aroma
How to Store
Allow leftovers to cool fully, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to help the pastry crisp up again. Avoid microwaving as it softens the dough.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
No brie? Camembert is a close substitute
Prefer different nuts? Crushed walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives
Out of puff pastry? Crescent roll dough works, though the texture will differ slightly
Serving Ideas
Serve warm at brunch tables, baby showers, or evening gatherings
Add small finishing touches like chives, seeds, or fruit dots on the platter for color if you like
Pair with crisp sparkling wine for a simple but refined pairing
Origin Note
Brie in pastry has deep roots in French and Mediterranean cuisine, and pairing cheese with honey goes back generations. This version highlights Mediterranean details like fig and pistachio for a festive, modern presentation.
Common Questions
How to keep the pastry crisp?
Bake until fully golden and serve warm immediately.
Can these be assembled early?
Yes, you can prep them and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving.
Will they reheat well?
They can be reheated in the oven, but they are always at their best fresh from the heat.
Is a mini muffin pan required?
It helps shape them, but not essential—free-form on a tray works if needed.
