Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my new go-to appetizers: Apple Butter Brie Bites! I remember the first time I tried making these. My youngest was going through a major picky eating phase, and I was desperate for something – anything – that she would actually eat. I had some leftover apple butter from a fall festival and a wheel of brie in the fridge, and BAM! Apple Butter Brie Bites were born. It was a dinnertime nutrition win because they tasted like a treat, but had simple, wholesome ingredients.
I was honestly shocked at how quickly my whole family devoured them! Even my picky eater asked for seconds. Talk about a dinnertime nutrition win! They’re so simple to throw together, and the sweet and savory combination is just irresistible.
This Apple Butter Brie Bites recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, quick after-school snacks, or even a fun little appetizer for family movie night. Plus, they are a sanity-saving nutrition choice. This Apple Butter Brie Bites is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast!
So, if you’re a fellow busy mom looking for a simple, delicious way to sneak some extra nutrition into your family’s day, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Trust me, this Apple Butter Brie Bites ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! No worries if you don’t have pecans – I use walnuts for extra nutrients in my Apple Butter Brie Bites.
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed: This is our base! If you’re feeling ambitious, you could make your own, but honestly, I always grab the store-bought kind. It’s a total nutrition hack.
- 4 ounces of brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star of the show! I love using a good quality brie for the best flavor. My family gets extra nutrition when I buy organic.
- 1/4 cup apple butter: This adds a touch of sweetness and warmth that pairs perfectly with the brie. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store.
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a little crunch and extra nutrition!
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional): For drizzling. This Apple Butter Brie Bites proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash): This helps the puff pastry get nice and golden brown.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional): For extra warmth and cozy flavor
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up a breeze – a total mom win! Here’s a Apple Butter Brie Bites nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: prepping ahead!
- Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect – these Apple Butter Brie Bites are all about rustic charm. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Apple Butter Brie Bites usually takes about 10 minutes to prep.
- Place a cube of brie in the center of each square. Top with a small spoonful of apple butter. I usually use about 1/2 teaspoon per square. Don’t overfill, or the brie will melt out during baking. While your Apple Butter Brie Bites are cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
- If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple butter. These add a lovely crunch and a boost of healthy fats. This Apple Butter Brie Bites recipe makes enough for everyone!
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry squares with the beaten egg. This will help them get golden brown and crispy. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Apple Butter Brie Bites – learn from my experience!
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Your Apple Butter Brie Bites should smell nourishing by now. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. If desired, drizzle with a little maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon.
This Apple Butter Brie Bites recipe is so quick and easy, even on the busiest weeknights! In my experience, the key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This nutritious Apple Butter Brie Bites usually takes about 25 minutes total from start to finish.
How We Love to Eat This!
My family loves these Apple Butter Brie Bites served warm, straight from the oven. The kids devour this nutritious Apple Butter Brie Bites when I serve it with a simple green salad or some sliced apples. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and healthy! It feels fancy but isn’t.
These are also great for parties or potlucks. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! For a seasonal twist, try using different types of fruit preserves instead of apple butter. Cranberry sauce is delicious around the holidays! This nutritious Apple Butter Brie Bites reminds me of another family-healthy favorite. Have you tried Cranberry Brie Bites? They make such a good pair.
I’ve even served these as part of a cheese board with crackers, grapes, and other fruits. It’s a simple way to make a healthy snack feel a little more special. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Apple Butter Brie Bites really nutritious enough for growing kids? Absolutely! Brie is a good source of calcium and protein, and apple butter provides some fiber and vitamins. The pecans or walnuts add healthy fats and extra nutrients.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Apple Butter Brie Bites? Start by letting them help you make them! Kids are often more willing to try new foods if they’ve been involved in the preparation. You can also try offering a small taste alongside something they already enjoy. Or, try calling them “Brie Bites” instead of Apple Butter Brie Bites!
- Can I meal prep this Apple Butter Brie Bites for busy weeks ahead? You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. Cut the puff pastry into squares and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop the pecans or walnuts and store them in a separate container. Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the bites and pop them in the oven.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? While brie is the classic choice, you could also try using Camembert or even a soft goat cheese. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well.
- Can I make these vegan? Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry and a vegan brie alternative. There are some great options available these days.
- How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy? Make sure your oven is hot enough and don’t overfill the squares with apple butter. Also, be sure to bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Can I add a savory element to balance the sweetness? Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of black pepper to the top of each bite before baking.
Is this recipe quick? You can see some apple fig compote with brie in phyllo cups, as mentioned on this Instant Pot Facebook Group.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Butter Brie Bites are more than just a simple appetizer. They’re a dinnertime nutrition win that the whole family will love. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences. I hope you’ll give them a try and see for yourself! My kids love the classic Apple Butter Brie Bites, while my husband prefers the fig and prosciutto version. I personally love them all! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bites Recipe.
My Apple Butter Brie Bites Nutrition Hacks:
- Use whole wheat puff pastry: For a boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds: For extra omega-3s.
- Swap maple syrup for honey: For a different flavor profile and added antioxidants.
Family-Tested Healthy Variations:
- Cranberry Brie Bites: Use cranberry sauce instead of apple butter for a festive holiday treat. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for the similar flavor profiles in these Cranberry Brie Bites.
- Fig and Prosciutto Brie Bites: Add a small piece of prosciutto for a savory twist.
- Spicy Apple Butter Brie Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the apple butter for a little heat. If you’re looking for another easy fall-themed appetizer idea, check out these Apple Pecan Brie Bites – The Gunny Sack.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Apple Butter Brie Bites your own. I have confidence that you’ll make them your family’s new favorite sanity-saving nutrition option! Now go forth and create some Apple Butter Brie Bites magic in your kitchen! You’ve got this, mama!
Apple Butter Brie Bites
These Apple Butter Brie Bites are the perfect fall appetizer! Creamy brie is topped with sweet apple butter and baked until warm and melty on a flaky puff pastry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces brie cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the puff pastry into 1-inch squares.
- Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top each square with a cube of brie cheese.
- Spoon a small amount of apple butter (about 1/2 teaspoon) over the brie.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Drizzle with honey, if using. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple butter before topping the brie bites. These are best served warm.