Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are small, gooey pastry bites that taste like a cozy holiday party in your mouth. These easy appetizers bring warm melted Brie, sweet bourbon-pecan topping, and crisp puff pastry together in under 30 minutes. If you want a fast crowd-pleaser that looks fancy but is simple to make, these bites fit the bill. Try them with a glass of cider or wine and watch guests go back for seconds. Learn a similar twist at cranberry pecan baked brie.
why make this recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple Ingredients: Puff pastry, Brie, pecans, brown sugar and a splash of bourbon.
- Party Perfect: Small, hand-held bites that look fancy but take little effort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet and savory balance makes guests smile and ask for more.
This version stands out because the pecans cook briefly with bourbon and butter for a sticky, warm topping that melts into the Brie. It feels special, but you don’t need hours of prep. If you like fruity cheese bites, see another easy idea at cranberry brie bites.
Ingredients Needed
For the pastry cups
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed (room temperature, not warm)
For the cheese
- 8 ounces Brie cheese — rind can stay on; slice into small cubes
For the pecan bourbon topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (toast briefly in a pan or oven)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
For finishing
- Honey, for drizzling
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Notes: Use unsalted butter so you control the salt. If you prefer no alcohol, swap bourbon for pure maple syrup (see variations).
How to Make Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pastry puffs evenly.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour a work surface and roll each thawed sheet once to make it slightly thinner. You want it still cold but easier to cut.
- Cut pastry into squares: Slice each sheet into 12 equal squares (24 total). Gently press each square into a muffin tin cup. Let the corners stick out a bit so they brown and become crisp.
- Cube the Brie: Cut the Brie into 24 small cubes, about ¾ inch each. Leaving the rind on is fine — it melts well and adds flavor. Place one cube in each pastry cup.
- Make the bourbon pecan topping: In a small saucepan, combine chopped toasted pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and bourbon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat until the sugar melts and the mix turns sticky and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely so it does not burn. (This step adds a deep, caramel note.)
- Top the Brie: Spoon a small amount of the bourbon pecan mix over each Brie cube. Cover the top but don’t overload; the cheese should still melt underneath.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Look for golden brown pastry and melted Brie that is soft and slightly oozing.
- Cool briefly and finish: Let the bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes so they set slightly. Remove to a serving plate, drizzle lightly with honey, add a small pinch of sea salt, and garnish with thyme or rosemary if you like. Serve warm for best gooey texture.
Why each step matters: Rolling the pastry thinner helps it bake crisp and golden. Toasting pecans boosts their flavor. Letting the bites cool a few minutes prevents the filling from spilling when you remove them.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface until slightly thinner. Cut each sheet into 12 equal squares (24 total). Press each square into a muffin tin cup, letting the corners stick out.
- Slice Brie into 24 small cubes, about ¾ inch each. Place one cube into each puff pastry cup.
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and bourbon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and mixture is sticky and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Spoon bourbon pecan mixture over each piece of Brie, ensuring the topping covers the cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until puff pastry is golden brown and Brie is melted.
- Let bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness.
how to serve Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites
- Arrange on a warm platter so they stay soft and gooey.
- Serve with small spatulas or toothpicks for easy pickup.
- Pair with apple slices, crackers, or toasted baguette. The sweet pecan topping goes well with tart apples and crisp crackers.
- Offer a small bowl of extra honey at the table for guests to drizzle.
how to store Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites
- Short term: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep them single layered with parchment between layers.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes to crisp the pastry and melt the Brie again. Avoid microwaving — the pastry becomes soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
tips to make Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites
- Keep the puff pastry cold until baking. Warm pastry loses its lift.
- Toast pecans first to deepen flavor — 5 minutes in a 350°F oven or in a dry pan.
- If you want less alcohol flavor, stir the bourbon into the butter and let it heat off for a minute, or replace with maple syrup.
- Don’t overfill the pastry cups; the Brie expands when melted.
- Use a nonstick or well-greased muffin tin for easy removal.
variation (if any)
- Maple Pecan Brie Bites: Replace bourbon with 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup for a kid-friendly version.
- Cranberry Pecan Twist: Fold a teaspoon of chopped dried cranberries into the pecan mix for tartness.
- Savory Herb: Omit brown sugar and bourbon; mix pecans with a little olive oil, chopped rosemary, and cracked pepper for a savory nut topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes. Swap the 2 tablespoons bourbon for 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or an equal amount of orange juice reduced slightly. The pecan mixture will still caramelize and taste great.
How do I make them ahead for a party?
You can assemble the pastry cups with Brie and topping, then cover and chill up to 4 hours before baking. Bake just before guests arrive so they are warm and gooey.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes. Use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet from the store. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels for cross-contamination.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes. Walnuts or almonds work well. Toast them first for best flavor.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Make sure the pastry is cold and the oven is fully preheated. Avoid adding too much wet topping. Baking in a muffin tin helps the bottom cook through.
Conclusion
These Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites are a fast, fancy-looking appetizer that tastes rich and comforting. They shine because the warm, nutty bourbon topping melts into soft Brie inside crisp puff pastry — a simple mix of ingredients that feels special. If you liked this recipe or want a ready guide from another blog, check out Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites (Easy Holiday Brie Bites Appetizer) – Grits ….
If you try the recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. Share photos on social media and tell us what variation you made — did you use maple instead of bourbon or add cranberries? Let us know!
Print
Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pastry bites featuring warm melted Brie topped with a sweet bourbon-pecan mixture, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces Brie cheese, cubed
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- Honey, for drizzling
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a floured surface until slightly thinner, then cut each sheet into 12 equal squares (24 total).
- Press each square into a muffin tin cup, letting the corners stick out.
- Cube the Brie into 24 small cubes and place one cube into each puff pastry cup.
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped toasted pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and bourbon. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until sticky.
- Spoon the bourbon pecan mixture over each piece of Brie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the Brie is melted.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Use unsalted butter to control the salt. Try maple syrup instead of bourbon for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg