Upside-Down Brie Bites

These upside-down brie bites are the perfect appetizer when you want something impressive yet simple to make. Flaky puff pastry wraps creamy, buttery brie that’s nestled on a bed of honey, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a fresh drizzle of honey and chives. This approach turns the usual method on its head by assembling the bites upside down, which gives a delightful texture and presentation. They are elegant but not fussy, making them a great choice for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

I first made these for a holiday party and the way the honey oozed and the puff pastry crisped up had everyone asking for the recipe. Now they’re my go-to when I need an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• Mini brie rounds: They’re the star—pick good quality creamy brie for the best melt and flavor
• Frozen puff pastry: Thawed and rolled out, it delivers the signature flakiness; choose all-butter variety if you can
• Honey: Adds sweetness and balances the cheese; use a good raw or wildflower honey for richness
• Large egg: For the egg wash that makes the puff pastry golden and shiny
• Fresh chives: Bring a herbaceous brightness as a finishing touch; select bright green stems without wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Scoop the Honey Base:

Spread parchment paper on your sheet pan. Drop small dollops of honey about half a tablespoon each spaced apart. This will caramelize under the brie and create a sticky, sweet base.

Score and Place the Brie:

Lightly score the tops of the brie rounds with a knife to help them melt evenly. Place each scored brie round on top of the honey dollops on the parchment.

Wrap in Puff Pastry:

Roll out the puff pastry about one and a half times larger than the sheet it came in. Cut eight rounds about three and a half inches wide using a cookie cutter or sharp knife. Wrap each puff pastry round snugly over the brie and honey, sealing the edges as tightly as possible.

Seal the Edges:

Press the edges of the pastry together with a fork to prevent puffing and protect the cheese inside from leaking out while baking.

Brush and Bake:

Brush the wrapped brie bites with beaten egg to give them a glossy finish. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for eighteen to twenty minutes until puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the baked bites to a serving platter. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives on top and drizzle with additional honey for a perfectly sweet and savory bite.

Save Pin

My favorite part is the pastry wrapped around the melted cheese. I remember making these with my sister one holiday and how fun it was to assemble them together. They disappeared in seconds at the party.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a low oven so the pastry stays crispy instead of soggy. These are best eaten fresh but can last up to two days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If small brie rounds aren’t available use pieces of regular brie cut into portions that fit your pastry rounds. Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a different but equally tasty sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these brie bites warm alongside a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling wine to balance the richness. They make great finger food for cocktail parties or a special appetizer at holiday dinners.

Cultural Context

Brie is a classic French cheese known for its creamy texture and nutty flavor. Puff pastry, also French in origin, brings a light, flaky dimension making this a perfect combination that nods to French culinary tradition while being approachable for home cooks.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of brie is best for these bites?

Mini brie rounds work best as they fit perfectly inside the pastry and melt evenly without overwhelming the bite.

→ Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate before baking to make hosting easier.

→ Is fresh chive necessary for topping?

Chives add a mild onion flavor and bright color but can be omitted or substituted with herbs like thyme if preferred.

→ How do I keep the pastry from puffing excessively?

Pinching the edges with a fork tightly seals the pastry, preventing too much puffing and keeping the shape intact.

→ What does the honey contribute to the bites?

Honey provides a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy brie and flaky pastry, enhancing the overall flavor profile.