Salt & Wind Travel

Fennel Mascarpone Brie Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

These little Fennel Mascarpone Brie Puff Pastry Bites Recipe are pinch hitters when it comes to entertaining because they’re as fitting at a holiday cocktail party as they are at an Easter brunch.

I make the fennel filling and assemble them up to 2 days ahead of time and freeze them, then bake them (just a bit longer than listed below if frozen) as guests arrive. 

Go stock up on all your cooking essentials then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!

Small Puff Pastry Bites On A Serving Platter
Fennel Mascarpone Brie Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Fennel Mascarpone Brie Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

This Fennel Mascarpone Brie Puff Pastry Bites Recipe is an appetizer that works as well for a fancy cocktail party as it does for a spring brunch.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24 rounds
Calories 112 kcal

Ingredients
  

For The Fennel:

  • 2 medium fennel bulbs green tops removed and reserved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 2 medium leeks
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

For The Puff Pastry Bites:

  • 8 ounces all-butter puff pastry defrosted
  • 4 ounces Fontina or Brie Cheese small dice
  • 4 ounces Mascarpone cheese
  • Reserved Fennel Fronds or Micro Greens for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat The Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
  • Prepare The Fennel: Prepare the fennel by quartering it lengthwise, removing the core, and then slicing the fennel quarters crosswise into thin (about 1/8-inch) slices. Set aside until ready to use.
    TIP: If preparing ahead of time, store the fennel in ice water until ready to use.
  • Saute The Fennel: Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When foaming stops, add the fennel (drained and patted dry if it was in ice water) , garlic, and leeks, season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, thyme, and sugar and stir to coat.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until fennel is golden brown and fork tender. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
    TIP: This can be done up to 3 days in advance.
  • Prepare The Puff Pastry: On a clean work surface, lay out the sheet of puff pastry. Using a 1 1/2-inch round cutter, cut the pastry into about 24 rounds, and lay flat on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
  • Assemble Puff Pastry Bites: Place one rounded teaspoon of fennel on each round, top with 1 tablespoon grated cheese, and another small rounded teaspoon of fennel.
  • Bake The Puff Pastry Bites: Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the tops of the tartlets are golden brown, and the puff pastry is cooked through. Top each tartlet with a small dollop of Mascarpone and a pinch of fennel fronds or micro greens. Serve immediately.
    TIP: You can make the puff pastry bites entirely (withough the Massscarpone andr fennel frond garnish) up to two days ahead. Store refrigerated in an airtight container and rewarm in a low oven before serving.

PERSONAL NOTES

Nutrition

Serving: 1 roundCalories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 76mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 292IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg
Keyword fennel appetizer, puff pastry appetizer
Tried this recipe?Mention @saltandwind or tag #swsociety!

Travel Planning Resources

This post may contain affiliate links. Please refer to our privacy policy.

About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




TRAVEL SERVICES

We'll help you taste Italy Mexico California Hawaii Mexico France Spain the world

We specialize in food-focused experiences in the most interesting culinary regions of the world.

We host unique small group trips to California, Italy, and Mexico from Sicily to Oaxaca.

Our tailored-to-you trip planning services help you make the most of your trip.