There’s something about the holidays that calls for cozy flavors, glowing kitchens, and food that makes people gather around the table. Brie Pear Bites are exactly that kind of recipe. They’re warm, flaky, creamy, and just a touch sweet — the kind of elegant finger food you can whip up in under 30 minutes, but that will still make your guests think you’ve been working all afternoon. Whether you’re looking for holiday appetizer ideas, quick snacks for unexpected visitors, or an addition to your dinner ideas spread, this recipe is here to make your hosting life easier.
In this post, we’re making Brie Pear Bites with simple ingredients — brie, pears, crescent rolls, and a drizzle of honey. The magic happens in the oven, when the cheese melts into the pastry and the pears soften into sweet, fragrant perfection.
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Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced into small wedges
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced (Bosc or Anjou work well)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon, fresh rosemary leaves, or crushed walnuts for garnish
How to Make Brie Pear Bites Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Shape the Pastry
Open your crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise so you have 16 smaller triangles — perfect size for mini bites. These will become the cozy wrappers for your brie and pear.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place a wedge of brie near the wider end of each triangle. Top with a thin slice of pear. The combination of brie and pear mini bites is where the sweet-and-savory magic begins.
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Roll each triangle toward the narrow end, gently tucking the filling inside. Pinch the edges slightly to help keep the melted cheese from escaping too much in the oven.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush each bite lightly with beaten egg. This helps the pastry turn a gorgeous golden brown. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden.
Step 6: Honey Drizzle
Remove the bites from the oven and immediately drizzle with honey. If you want to add cinnamon, rosemary, or nuts, now’s the time. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Why Brie Pear Bites Are a Holiday Favorite
These Brie Pear Bites hit every note: buttery pastry, creamy brie, tender pear, and a touch of honey sweetness. They’re portable, easy to eat without a plate, and adaptable to different tastes. Plus, the recipe works as make-ahead appetizers — you can prep them a few hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before guests arrive.
Tips & Notes for Perfect Brie Pear Bites
Storage Tips for Brie Bites
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through — this keeps the pastry crisp.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the crescent-rolled cheese bites, refrigerate them on a tray, and bake later. Alternatively, freeze unbaked bites, then bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
Flavor Variations
- Swap pears for thin apple slices or figs.
- Try brie with a touch of cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the honey drizzle for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as part of a holiday appetizers spread with other small bites like crostini or stuffed mushrooms. They also work alongside soups and salads for a light lunch idea.
Holiday Hosting Inspiration with Brie Pear Bites
If you’re building a full holiday menu, Brie Pear Bites make the perfect opener. Follow them with a cozy roasted chicken or beef tenderloin, or even a seafood pasta for a special-occasion dinner. For dessert, think chocolate mousse, cheesecake bars, or a holiday trifle from our dessert recipes.
And don’t forget drinks — these bites pair beautifully with sparkling wine, spiced cider, or even a crisp craft beer.
Brie and Pear – A Classic Pairing
Why do Brie Pear Bites taste so good? It’s all about contrast. Brie is rich and buttery, with earthy undertones. Pears are crisp and juicy, bringing natural sweetness. Together, they balance each other beautifully — a pear cheese combo that’s stood the test of time in French cuisine and beyond. Add flaky pastry, and you’ve got a bite that’s texturally and flavorfully complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brie Pear Bites
Absolutely — puff pastry brie bites are slightly flakier, and work just as well. Adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes.
Bosc pears hold their shape well and bring a subtle sweetness. Anjou pears are also great for a softer texture.
Yes, but honey helps accentuate the sweet-salty contrast. Maple syrup or a light glaze also works.
Pinch the dough edges well, and avoid overfilling.
Not with standard crescent rolls — but you can find gluten-free pastry alternatives to make them work.
Related recipes
- Holiday Appetizers – Find more festive starters like stuffed mushrooms, baked camembert, and cranberry meatballs.
- Dinner Ideas – Main-course inspirations from roasted chicken to creamy pastas that pair beautifully with Brie Pear Bites.
- Dessert Recipes – Seasonal sweets like pecan pie bars, chocolate mousse, and holiday trifles to round out your menu.
- Lunch Ideas – Lighter options such as hearty salads, quiches, and soups perfect alongside savory-sweet bites.
Brie Pear Bites – Easy Sweet & Savory Holiday Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites
Description
Warm, flaky, creamy, and slightly sweet holiday appetizer bites made with brie, pear, and crescent rolls, finished with a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 8 oz brie cheese, sliced into small wedges
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced (Bosc or Anjou)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon, fresh rosemary leaves, or crushed walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate crescent roll dough into 8 triangles, then cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make 16 smaller triangles.
- Place a wedge of brie near the wide end of each triangle and top with a thin slice of pear.
- Roll each triangle toward the narrow end, tucking in the filling and pinching edges slightly.
- Brush each bite with beaten egg and bake for 18–20 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with honey, and add optional toppings like cinnamon, rosemary, or walnuts. Serve warm.
Notes
You can prep these ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. For variations, swap pears with apples or figs, or add cranberry sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 205mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 4g
Final Thoughts
When it comes to holiday entertaining, Brie Pear Bites are proof that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and less than half an hour in the kitchen, you can serve up something that looks elegant, tastes incredible, and disappears in minutes.
They’re a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that balance simple flavors — creamy cheese, sweet fruit, flaky pastry — in a way that makes every bite feel special. Whether you serve them as part of a big festive spread or as a cozy snack for two, they’ll bring that perfect mix of comfort and celebration to your table.
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