Goat Cheese & Walnut Pastry Bites
These Goat Cheese & Walnut Pastry Bites are creamy, tangy, and packed with crunchy toasted walnuts wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for appetizers or snacks, they offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that are quick and easy to prepare, elegant yet approachable, and customizable to various dietary preferences.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 pastry bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free puff pastry is used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts (roughly chopped)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary, finely chopped)
- 1 egg (beaten for egg wash)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. On a floured surface, roll them out gently to smooth creases and achieve an even thickness for a crisp, flaky bite.
- Toast the Walnuts: Spread walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning. Let cool, then roughly chop.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened goat cheese, chopped toasted walnuts, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if using, and finely chopped fresh herbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper, stirring until well mixed.
- Assemble the Pastry Bites: Cut puff pastry into 2-3 inch squares or circles. Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each piece. Fold over or top with another pastry piece for pockets, or leave open-faced as desired.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush each piece with beaten egg to ensure a golden, glossy crust. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use to prevent stickiness and hardness.
- Use just enough filling to avoid leakage or soggy pastry.
- Space pastry bites evenly on the baking sheet for uniform cooking.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed walnuts on top before baking.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Goat cheese, walnut, puff pastry, appetizer, snack, easy recipe, party food, vegetarian, gluten-free option