If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines rich creaminess with a delightful crunch, the Camembert & Potato Puff Pastry Bites with Honey Recipe is your perfect match. These little golden parcels bring together the tender melt of Camembert cheese and the hearty, comforting texture of Albert Bartlett Parmentier potatoes, all hugged by a flaky puff pastry and kissed with fragrant herbs and a touch of honey sweetness. Each bite bursts with contrasting flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for more. Trust me, this recipe is a simple way to elevate any gathering or cozy night in with an irresistible treat that feels both fancy and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, and each one plays a vital role in creating those perfect puff pastry bites. From the creamy Camembert that melts gorgeously to the fluffy yet firm potatoes, every component adds depth, flavor, and visual appeal.
- Albert Bartlett Parmentier Potatoes: These versatile potatoes roast beautifully and provide a creamy texture with a subtle sweetness.
- Camembert cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts to a gooey deliciousness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp pastry.
- Puff pastry sheet (approximately 300g): This is what gives the bites that irresistible flaky, golden crust.
- Egg for egg wash: Brushed on the pastry for a glossy, golden finish.
- Dried mixed herbs: Adds aromatic notes that perfectly complement the cheese and potatoes.
- Fresh thyme: Used as a garnish for a fresh, green pop of flavor and color.
- White sesame seeds: Sprinkle these on top for added texture and a subtle nutty hint.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors for an even more satisfying bite.
- Honey (for serving): A light drizzle introduces the sweetest contrast, tying the savory and creamy elements together beautifully.
How to Make Camembert & Potato Puff Pastry Bites with Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C or gas mark 7). Take your Albert Bartlett Parmentier Potatoes and place them on a baking tray. Roast them for about 20 minutes, making sure to turn them halfway through so they cook evenly and develop that lovely tender texture you want in your bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
While the potatoes roast, it’s time to get the puff pastry ready. Cut the sheet into 12 equal squares. Then, carefully score a 1cm border inside each square, making sure not to cut all the way through so the corners stay connected—this will allow the edges to puff up beautifully around the filling.
Step 3: Apply the Egg Wash
Lightly brush each pastry square with the egg wash. This simple step is what creates that irresistible golden and glossy sheen on your finished bites.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Now comes the fun part: topping each square. Place a slice of Camembert right in the middle, then add some of the roasted Parmentier potatoes on top. Sprinkle with dried mixed herbs and a few white sesame seeds to add bursts of flavor and texture. A pinch of sea salt here will enhance everything.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Reduce the oven heat to 180°C (170°C fan or gas mark 4) and pop your trays back inside. Bake the bites for 15 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry has puffed up and turned a perfect golden brown, and the Camembert is melted and bubbly underneath.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Once out of the oven, drizzle a little honey over each bite and garnish with fresh thyme. The sweet honey cuts through the richness wonderfully, and the thyme adds a fresh herbal note that makes these bites truly irresistible.
How to Serve Camembert & Potato Puff Pastry Bites with Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh thyme leaves and a delicate drizzle of honey right before serving not only elevates the appearance but also brightens and balances the flavors. You can also sprinkle a few more sesame seeds or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to add texture and enhance taste.
Side Dishes
These bites are fantastic on their own as finger food, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a tangy chutney really makes the dish shine. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a dollop of fig jam complements the creamy richness of the Camembert and the sweetness of the honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these bite-sized delights on a wooden board with small bowls of extra honey and herbs invites guests to personalize their flavor experience. Alternatively, arrange them on elegant porcelain plates with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning visual impact at parties or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to two days without losing their texture or flavor, making them perfect for a quick snack or to serve at another occasion.
Freezing
These bites freeze wonderfully if you want to prepare in advance. Freeze them raw (assembled but unbaked) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through perfectly.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers or frozen batches, pop them in a preheated oven at 180°C (170°C fan) for about 10-12 minutes. This reheats the cheese to creamy perfection and restores the puff pastry’s crispness, unlike microwaving which can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Camembert?
Absolutely! While Camembert offers a lovely creaminess and mild tang, Brie or similar soft cheeses also work well. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely without being too strong.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Albert Bartlett Parmentier Potatoes are ideal because of their tender texture when roasted, but if you can’t find them, other waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Charlotte will also perform beautifully.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is key to achieving that golden, flaky exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling. You could experiment with filo pastry, but the texture and flavor will differ.
Can these bites be made vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you could try swapping Camembert for a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Use vegan puff pastry and adjust the egg wash by brushing with plant-based milk or oil.
How much honey should I drizzle on each bite?
A light drizzle is enough to balance flavors without overpowering. About a teaspoon per bite is perfect, but feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so magical about the blend of warm, melting Camembert, tender potatoes, and golden puff pastry, all finished with a hint of honey. This Camembert & Potato Puff Pastry Bites with Honey Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to treats when I want to impress without fuss. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and always receives compliments. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these crunchy, creamy bites with your loved ones!
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Camembert & Potato Puff Pastry Bites with Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These Camembert & Potato Puff Pastry Bites with Honey make for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Featuring creamy Camembert cheese and Albert Bartlett Parmentier potatoes baked on flaky puff pastry, topped with mixed herbs, sesame seeds, and finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme, they offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box Albert Bartlett Parmentier Potatoes
- 1/2 Camembert cheese (approximately 125g)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (approximately 300g)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Drizzle of honey (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C) / gas mark 7 to prepare for cooking the potatoes.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the Albert Bartlett Parmentier Potatoes on a baking tray and cook them for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting and tenderness.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Slice the puff pastry sheet into 12 even squares. Then, cut a square border approximately 1cm inside each square, making sure to leave the corners attached, which will help the pastry puff up attractively.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly coat each pastry square with the beaten egg wash to help give them a shiny golden finish once baked.
- Add Toppings: On the center of each pastry square, place a slice of Camembert cheese, a portion of the roasted Parmentier Potatoes, sprinkle with dried mixed herbs and white sesame seeds for texture and flavor.
- Bake the Pastry Bites: Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (fan 170°C) / gas mark 4. Bake the prepared pastry bites in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the pastry bites out of the oven and serve them immediately. Drizzle lightly with honey and garnish with fresh thyme to add a touch of sweetness and herbal aroma.
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are cooked through before assembling the bites; parboiled or pre-roasted potatoes work best.
- The egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden color on the puff pastry and adds shine.
- Use fresh thyme for garnish to add a fresh aromatic note, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey drizzle according to your taste preference for sweetness.
- These bites are best served warm to enjoy the gooey Camembert cheese.
