Easy Apricot Jam & Gruyère Cheese Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Apricot Jam & Gruyere Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a party snack, they come together quickly and look impressive on any table.

A close-up shows several puff pastry tarts on a white plate lined with crumpled parchment paper. Each tart has golden, flaky, and puffy edges folded up around a center filled with melted cheese that is orange and slightly browned on top. Thin, light almond slices and small green herb sprigs are scattered in the cheese filling. The pastries glisten with drops of clear honey or syrup on both the tarts and parchment, adding shine and texture. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet defrosted puff pastry
  • 150-175 g gruyere cheese, cut into 16 half-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp apricot jam
  • 3-4 tbsp sliced or chopped almonds
  • Fresh thyme for garnish
  • Honey for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin well with cooking spray or butter. Roll out the defrosted puff pastry sheet to approximately a 10×10 inch square. Cut into 16 roughly 2.5 inch squares using a pizza slicer or sharp knife. If your muffin tin has only 12 cups, set 4 puff pastry squares aside in the fridge while baking the others. Alternatively, use two muffin tins to bake all at once.
  2. Step 2: Place one puff pastry square into each muffin cup. Top each square with a cube of Gruyere cheese, then add about 1/2 teaspoon of apricot jam. Sprinkle a pinch of sliced or chopped almonds over the jam. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the puff pastry edges turn golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Once baked, allow the bites to sit in the muffin tin for a few minutes to set. Carefully remove them and transfer to a cooling rack or serving tray. Garnish each with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of honey before serving immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the pastry bites.
  • Swap apricot jam for fig or peach jam for a different fruit flavor.
  • Add a small sprig of fresh thyme under the cheese for more herbal aroma inside the bite.
  • If you prefer, use sharp cheddar or fontina cheese instead of Gruyere.

Storage

Store any leftover puff pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 325°F or 160°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. They are best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a flaky, golden-brown pastry with multiple thin layers, some torn to reveal its soft, airy inside. The pastry has a shiny, slightly sticky top layer with a small orange jelly or jam patch in the center, topped with a few small green herb leaves and thin almond slices. It rests on a white marbled textured surface covered with crinkled parchment paper, with blurred partial views of other similar pastries in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just add the jam and almonds right before placing them in the oven to prevent sogginess.

What can I use if I don’t have a muffin tin?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, place the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The bites won’t have the same cup shape, but they will still taste delicious.

Print
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Easy Apricot Jam & Gruyère Cheese Puff Pastry Bites Recipe


  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x

Description

These Easy Apricot Jam & Gruyere Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are a perfect appetizer or snack, combining the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyere cheese with sweet apricot jam and a crunchy almond topping. Made with flaky puff pastry squares baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh thyme and honey, they offer a delightful balance of savory and sweet in each bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 1 sheet defrosted puff pastry

Filling and Toppings

  • 150175 g Gruyere cheese, cut into 16 half-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp apricot jam
  • 34 tbsp sliced or chopped almonds
  • Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
  • Honey for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the defrosted puff pastry sheet to approximately a 10×10 inch square. Using a pizza slicer or sharp knife, cut the pastry into 16 equal 2.5-inch squares. Since a standard muffin tin has 12 cups, refrigerate 4 squares if baking only one tin, or use two tins to bake all at once.
  3. Assemble Bites: Place one puff pastry square into each muffin cup. On each square, layer one cube of Gruyere cheese, followed by about 1/2 teaspoon of apricot jam, and then sprinkle a pinch of sliced or chopped almonds on top. This layering gives the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
  4. Bake: Bake the assembled bites in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry has puffed up and the edges turn a golden brown color.
  5. Cool and Garnish: Allow the bites to rest in the muffin tin for a few minutes after baking to set. Then carefully remove them to a cooling rack or serving tray. Garnish each bite with fresh thyme leaves and drizzle with honey just before serving to add a fresh herbal note and a touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • Make sure the puff pastry is fully defrosted before rolling and cutting to ensure flexibility and prevent cracking.
  • You can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts if preferred.
  • Use quality apricot jam for the best flavor balance.
  • These bites are best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and flaky pastry.
  • Use two muffin tins if you want to bake all 16 bites at once to save time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: Apricot jam appetizer, puff pastry bites, Gruyere cheese snacks, easy party appetizers, baked cheese bites

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