Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these bacon jam brie bites! I stumbled upon this magical combo at a friend’s potluck last year, and let me tell you, I’ve been obsessed ever since. There’s something about that sweet-salty bacon jam melting into creamy brie that just makes people go crazy for them. The best part? They look fancy but take barely any effort – perfect for when you need impressive party food fast. Trust me, these little flavor bombs disappear faster than you can say “more please!”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Jam Brie Bites
These little bites pack a serious punch, and here’s why they’re always a hit at my house:
- Minimal effort – Just 5 ingredients and 30 minutes from fridge to table
- Crowd-pleasing combo – The sweet-smoky jam and creamy brie make taste buds dance
- Perfect party food – Easy to eat one-handed while holding a drink
- Fancy-looking but foolproof – Puff pastry does all the work to make them look bakery-perfect
Seriously, these disappear faster than I can refill the tray every time!
Ingredients for Bacon Jam Brie Bites
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you might already have most in your kitchen:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen – trust me, nobody likes wrestling with icy dough)
- 1/2 cup bacon jam (homemade or store-bought – we’ll talk options below)
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (leave the rind on – it adds great flavor!)
- 1 egg, beaten (for that gorgeous golden shine)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried if that’s what you’ve got)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No stress if you need to swap things around! Here are my tried-and-true tweaks:
- Bacon jam: Store-bought works great (I love Stonewall Kitchen’s version), but homemade lets you adjust sweetness. Just watch out for overly oily jam – it’ll leak!
- Brie: Vegan brie works surprisingly well if needed. Camembert’s a delicious alternative too.
- Thyme: Fresh rosemary or sage make lovely herb swaps depending on your mood.
3-Ingredient Bacon Jam Brie Bites That Wow Every Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious bite-sized appetizers combining crispy bacon jam and creamy brie.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1/2 cup bacon jam
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into small squares.
- Place a small spoonful of bacon jam in the center of each square.
- Add a cube of brie on top of the bacon jam.
- Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with thyme if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Use store-bought or homemade bacon jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bacon jam brie bites, easy appetizer, party food
How to Make Bacon Jam Brie Bites
Okay, let’s get these little flavor bombs rolling! First things first – preheat that oven to 400°F (200°C). No cheating here – a properly hot oven gives us that perfect flaky puff pastry we’re after.
Now grab your thawed puff pastry sheet (cold but pliable is perfect) and roll it out just a smidge on a lightly floured surface. I use a pizza cutter to slice it into about 24 little squares – don’t stress about perfection, rustic is charming! Here’s the fun part: spoon about ½ teaspoon of that glorious bacon jam in the center of each square, then top with a brie cube. Less is more here – overstuffing leads to leaks (and sadness).
Fold the corners up like a little present, pinching the edges really well to seal. A dab of water on your fingertip helps if they’re being stubborn. Brush each bundle with egg wash – this is magic for that golden glow – and sprinkle with thyme if you’re feeling fancy.
Pop them on a parchment-lined baking sheet (trust me, cleanup is way easier) and bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
For another appetizer that’s just as easy yet packed with flavor, check out these savory Cider-Braised Mini Sausage Bites — a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bites
Cold pastry is your friend – if it gets too warm while working, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes. And whatever you do, don’t skip the egg wash – it’s what gives that professional bakery shine! If some jam leaks (it happens to the best of us), just call them “artisan style” and serve them extra warm when the brie is at its ooey-gooey best.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Jam Brie Bites
These little bites shine brightest when served warm – the melty brie is everything! I love arranging them on a wooden board with grapes and apple slices for contrast. A crisp white wine or sparkling cider makes the perfect pairing. For parties, scatter them among other finger foods so guests can graze. Just be warned – you’ll need to make extra because they vanish fast!
Storing and Reheating Bacon Jam Brie Bites
Leftovers? Yeah right! But if you miraculously have any, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it’ll make them soggy. Just pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back that perfect crispy texture. The brie will get all melty again, almost like fresh from the oven!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into – each little bacon jam brie bite packs about 85 calories, 5g fat, and 3g protein. These numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients though (especially that bacon jam – some brands are sweeter than others). Not bad for such a flavor explosion!
Looking for even more bite-sized party favorites and trending holiday recipes? Explore our Pinterest boards filled with crowd-pleasing ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bacon jam brie bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them up to 4 hours before baking – just keep them chilled in the fridge. For longer prep, freeze the unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
What’s the best bacon jam brand?
I’m partial to Stonewall Kitchen’s version for its perfect balance of sweet and smoky. But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade bacon jam lets you control the flavors – just cook off excess grease to prevent leaks!
Can I use different cheese?
You bet! Camembert works great, and for a sharper twist, try aged gouda cubes. Just avoid super-melty cheeses that might disappear completely during baking.
Why is my puff pastry soggy?
Usually means either the pastry got too warm before baking or the bacon jam was too oily. Chill the assembled bites for 10 minutes before baking and blot excess oil from your jam with a paper towel.
How small should I cut the brie?
About ½-inch cubes are perfect – big enough to taste but small enough to melt evenly. Leave the rind on for extra flavor and to help the cheese hold its shape!
Final Thoughts
Give these bacon jam brie bites a whirl and let me know how they turn out! Tag me on social – I love seeing your creations!