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Get ready to impress your friends and family with the irresistible charm of the Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe. These little bites marry the creamy richness of Brie with the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice, finished off with a lively kick from hot honey. Perfectly nestled in flaky puff pastry and topped with toasted pecans and fresh thyme, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a memorable appetizer that’s bursting with seasonal flavor and heavenly texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let this recipe fool you; it’s made with straightforward, kitchen-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery puff pastry to the spicy sweetness of hot honey, every component enhances the final bite.
- Cooking spray: Ensures your mini muffin tin releases the bites easily without sticking.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed: Provides a flaky, buttery shell that’s the perfect base for all those bold flavors.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Brings a smooth, earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a luscious pumpkin filling.
- 1 Tbsp. store-bought or homemade hot honey, plus more for drizzling: Offers a tantalizing balance of heat and sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt: Elevates all the other flavors and prevents the bites from tasting flat.
- 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the filling with classic autumn warmth.
- 6 oz. Brie, cut into 24 (1/2”) cubes: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, indulgent center.
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped roasted salted pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty contrast.
- 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme: Brings herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to give your bites that perfect golden crust from the moment they go in. Next, spray your mini muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray—this simple step makes all the difference when it comes to cleanly releasing each delicate pastry cup.
Step 2: Cut and Press Puff Pastry
Take the thawed sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 2 to 3-inch rounds. These circles will form the base and sides of your little cups. Press each round gently into the muffin tin, molding the dough to fit snugly. This step sets the stage for holding delicious fillings without sagging or spilling.
Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, hot honey, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy. This mixture is where all the seasonal magic happens—sweet, spicy, and just a touch fiery. It will blend perfectly with the Brie to create a delectable combo that’s nothing short of irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Place one cube of Brie inside each puff pastry cup. This little treasure gives molten richness in every bite. Then, generously spoon the pumpkin mixture over the Brie, covering it but leaving enough room to fit your final toppings. This layering is what makes each bite sing.
Step 5: Add Pecans and Bake
Sprinkle a pinch of the finely chopped roasted salted pecans on top of each filled cup. These add welcome crunch and a salty contrast. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, watching as the pastry turns golden and flaky while the Brie melts and the pumpkin filling firms slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Drizzle Before Serving
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped thyme on each bite for a pop of earthy freshness. Finish with a drizzle of additional hot honey for a shiny, sticky glaze that makes these bites both beautiful and mouthwateringly complex in flavor.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from the fresh thyme and hot honey drizzle, you can experiment with finishing touches like a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or a few microgreens. These simple additions elevate presentation and lend fresh bursts of flavor that balance the rich cheese and sweet-spicy filling.
Side Dishes
These brioche bites are wonderful on their own or paired with fresh, crisp accompaniments like a mixed greens salad with a tart vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables. The contrast of textures and temperatures creates a well-rounded bite-and-sip experience that brightens any meal or party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe on a wooden board or a festive platter surrounded by clusters of grapes, fig slices, and nuts. You might even serve them inside small decorative paper liners for easy handling. Presentation matters here—it invites guests to dive right in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to two days, though they are best enjoyed warm out of the oven when the Brie is luxuriously melty.
Freezing
These bites can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble them in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop the bites back into a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This revitalizes the puff pastry’s crispness and warms the filling without overcooking or drying out the Brie or pumpkin. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Brie?
While Brie is perfect for its creamy texture and mild flavor, good melting cheeses like Camembert or a mild goat cheese work as alternatives. Just keep in mind that some cheeses will change the flavor balance and texture slightly.
What if I don’t have hot honey? Can I make my own?
Absolutely! You can make hot honey at home by gently warming honey and infusing it with red pepper flakes or a sliced chili. Let it steep for 30 minutes before straining. This way, you control the spice level and create a fresh, vibrant condiment for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry? Can I use another dough?
Puff pastry is ideal because it bakes up light, flaky, and buttery, perfectly complementing the creamy Brie and pumpkin filling. You might try phyllo dough for a crispier bite, but avoid heavy doughs that can overpower the delicate flavors.
How do I adjust the spice level if I prefer it less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of hot honey or use a milder version. You can also balance the heat by adding a touch more pumpkin puree or cream to mellow the filling, keeping everything smooth and inviting.
Can I prepare these for a large party?
Definitely! The Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe scales up beautifully and the components are easy to prepare ahead of time, especially if you freeze the assembled bites before baking. This makes entertaining stress-free and ensures fresh, stunning appetizers for your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that captures the spirit of fall without fuss, the Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe is fun, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, so I urge you to give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite at your table. You’re going to love the way everyone lights up when they take that first bite!
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Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Hot Honey Brie Bites are a delightful autumn-inspired appetizer combining flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, spiced pumpkin, and a kick of hot honey. Perfectly bite-sized and topped with toasted pecans and fresh thyme, they offer a warm, spicy-sweet flavor that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Pastry
- Cooking spray
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Pumpkin Spice Mixture
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp. store-bought or homemade hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Fillings & Toppings
- 6 oz. Brie, cut into 24 (1/2″) cubes
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped roasted salted pecans
- 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Shape puff pastry: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into 2 to 3-inch rounds and gently press each round into the cups of the prepared mini muffin tin, forming pastry shells.
- Mix pumpkin spice filling: In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, hot honey, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the bites: Place one cube of Brie cheese in the center of each puff pastry shell. Then, spoon a small amount of the pumpkin spice mixture over the Brie cube evenly.
- Add pecans and bake: Sprinkle the finely chopped roasted salted pecans atop each filled pastry cup. Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh chopped thyme. Drizzle additional hot honey over the top for an extra touch of sweet heat before serving warm.
Notes
- Use refrigerated or thawed puff pastry for easy handling and best texture.
- For a milder heat, adjust the amount of hot honey or substitute with regular honey.
- These bites are best served warm right out of the oven to enjoy the melted Brie and flaky pastry.
- Make ahead by prepping the cups, fillings, and assembling; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
