Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites Recipe

This Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites recipe is my ultimate go-to for impressing guests because it’s got that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a kick of bourbon all wrapped up in a flaky pastry. Plus, I love how easy it is to make something so indulgent and crowd-pleasing that looks like it took way more effort than it actually did!

These Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites pack a delicious wallop with barely any work involved. The Brie pairs splendidly with the sweet and nutty topping of bourbon, brown sugar, pecans, and a touch of cinnamon.

All in all, they make a great bite-sized treat, especially when served warm.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:
Offers a crust that is rich in carbohydrates and has a texture that is both flaky and buttery.

Brie Cheese:
Rich in protein, creamy, and with a delicate buttery flavor.

Bourbon:
Contributes a comforting, deep, and sweet base for the rest of the dish.

Brown Sugar:
Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.

Pecans:
Crunchy, nutty, filled with robust protein and good-for-you oils.

Unsalted Butter:
Adds creamy richness to the flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Warm your oven up to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a surface dusted with flour, roll out the thawed sheet of puff pastry to eliminate any wrinkles. Cut the sheet into 24 pieces that are equal in size and shape.

3. Carefully push every pastry square into the tiny muffin tins, molding them into their little muffin shapes. These are your pastry cups.

4. In a medium saucepan over a medium flame, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the sugar disappears and the liquid thickens a bit. You should be seeing bubbles now.

5. Combine chopped pecans with bourbon in bowl; stir to coat evenly.

6. Put a cube of Brie cheese into each pastry cup, topping it with a spoonful of the pecan-bourbon mixture.

7. Gently apply the beaten egg to the edges of the pastry to ensure a golden finish post-baking.

8. Place the Brie bites in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

9. Take the bites out of the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a couple of minutes.

10. Transfer the Bourbon Pecan Brie Bites to a serving platter with care and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Knife or pastry cutter
6. Cutting board
7. Small muffin tin
8. Medium saucepan
9. Measuring cups and spoons
10. Mixing bowl
11. Spoon for stirring
12. Pastry brush
13. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I use frozen puff pastry directly for the recipe?
  No, the puff pastry should be thawed before use to ensure it can be easily rolled and shaped.
• Is it necessary to remove the rind from the Brie cheese?
  Yes, removing the rind allows for a smoother melt and better blend with the other ingredients.
• What can I use instead of bourbon?
  You can substitute bourbon with apple cider or omit it for an alcohol-free version.
• Can walnuts be used instead of pecans?
  Yes, walnuts can be used as an alternative, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
• How do I prevent the puff pastry from sticking?
  Use parchment paper or a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking when working with puff pastry.
• Are there any variations for additional flavor?
  You can try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a slight kick.
• How long should the bites be baked?
  Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Substitutions and Variations

Puff pastry: Use phyllo dough or crescent roll dough instead, and you’ll have a light, flaky, and tender texture. I mean, that’s a huge difference, people! Because mostly, puff pastry is what gets you that wonderful texture compared to just pie crust.
Camembert cheese: Replace bri with a similar soft cheese like Camembert or a creamy cheese with a mild flavor like triple cream.
Bourbon: Use whiskey or dark rum to retain the rich taste.
Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar. Both have a distinct flavor from that of brown sugar and will impart that flavor to the finished product.
Pecans. For a different nutty flavor, use walnuts or almonds.

Pro Tips

1. Freeze the Brie Before Cutting Slightly freeze the Brie for about 15-20 minutes before cutting it. This will firm up the cheese and make it much easier to remove the rind and cut into small cubes.

2. Prep in Advance You can prepare the pecan-bourbon mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before using to make sure the flavors meld perfectly.

3. Ensure Puff Pastry is Cold Keep the puff pastry cold while working with it to maintain its texture. If the pastry warms up too much, it can become sticky and hard to handle. If necessary, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

4. Prevent Sticky Pecans To avoid the pecans sticking together when mixed with the bourbon caramel, toast them lightly in a dry pan before combining them with the mixture. This will also enhance their flavor.

5. Monitor Baking Closely Keep an eye on the bites in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s crucial to ensure they turn out just right.