Irresistible Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
As the festive season approaches, the search for the perfect holiday appetizer begins – something both elegant and effortlessly delicious. Look no further than these **Irresistible Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets**, a delightful creation that takes the beloved classic baked brie and elevates it to an entirely new dimension. Imagine a warm, gooey center of creamy brie, perfectly complemented by the smoky crispness of Wright® Brand Bacon, a touch of sweet honey, and the earthy aroma of fresh thyme, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Each pocket offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes in a single, convenient bite. They’re not just a fun twist on a traditional favorite; their hand-held nature makes them ideal for any gathering, and the incredible benefit of being able to freeze and bake them later means less stress during busy holiday preparations. These pockets are sure to become your new go-to appetizer for making holiday memories that last.
This post has been sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The holidays are officially in full swing, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This magical time of year brings with it the promise of cherished moments spent with family, the comforting ritual of cooking up a storm (even if it means my feet are sore by the end!), and the pure joy of indulging in all the delicious treats and festive traditions that make this season so special. From intimate family dinners to lively cocktail parties, the opportunities to gather, connect, and create lasting memories are endless.
To gather everything you need for this delightful recipe and more, make sure to shop for high-quality Tyson products, including Wright® Brand Bacon, now available at your local Kroger store! You’ll find everything you need to make your holiday entertaining a breeze.
This abundance of holiday gatherings means you’ll have countless chances to weave new traditions and strengthen bonds around the dinner table. And what better way to kick off any festive occasion than with an appetizer that’s both universally loved and incredibly easy to enjoy? That’s precisely why these adorable **Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets** are the quintessential holiday appetizer to serve up at your next celebration. They’re designed for convenience without compromising on taste, ensuring your guests are impressed and satisfied.
The Secret Ingredient: Elevating Flavors with Wright® Brand Bacon
When it comes to crafting truly memorable holiday dishes, the secret often lies in selecting the finest ingredients. This is especially true for our **Baked Bacon Brie Pockets**. My latest culinary obsession is none other than Wright® Brand Bacon! Its reputation for quality is well-deserved; these aren’t your average bacon strips. Wright® Brand Bacon features thick-cut, hand-trimmed slices of premium pork that consistently cook up to be incredibly juicy and perfectly crisp. This superior texture and rich, smoky flavor make it an absolute standout ingredient, elevating any dish it graces, and it’s particularly essential for the delectable core of these brie pockets.
I don’t know about you, but for me, the irresistible aroma of bacon cooking always conjures up the warmest memories of family brunches. Throughout my childhood, Sundays were dedicated to gathering at my grandparents’ house. It was a lively affair, filled with uncles, aunts, cousins, and siblings – a house bustling with laughter, animated conversations, and, of course, the comforting sizzle and smell of plenty of bacon. One of my fondest recollections is standing by the stove, taking turns crisping up batch after batch of bacon, all while catching up on the week’s happenings with my beloved family members.
I understand that not everyone has the luxury of seeing their extended family every single weekend. That’s precisely what makes the holiday season so profoundly special and precious. These limited opportunities to connect truly highlight the importance of every shared meal and every created memory. The rich, naturally smoked scent of Wright® Brand Bacon, whether it’s sizzling on the stove or baking in the oven, serves as a delicious reminder that it’s easy to infuse those precious family moments with warmth and flavor, making every holiday gathering truly count.
Let’s be honest: life truly is better with bacon. Its versatility and unparalleled flavor make it a beloved ingredient in countless dishes, and it’s the star player in these **Baked Bacon Brie Pockets**, adding a depth of savory goodness that perfectly balances the creamy brie and sweet honey. If you’re looking for an appetizer that will disappear quickly from the platter, bacon is always the answer.
Elevating a Classic: From Traditional Baked Brie to Hand-Held Perfection
Many of you are undoubtedly familiar with traditional baked brie, a holiday appetizer staple. While undeniably delicious, a full wheel of baked brie can sometimes be a bit cumbersome, especially if you’re hosting a smaller, more intimate gathering, or if your party is a dynamic cocktail-style event where guests are mingling and standing. It’s not always the most “entertaining-friendly” option when you’re trying to hold a drink, catch up with loved ones, and delicately scoop cheese onto a cracker.
This is where our **Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets** truly shine. They elegantly solve the presentation and convenience challenges of traditional baked brie, transforming it into a sophisticated yet approachable appetizer that you can effortlessly bring out for any occasion – from grand holiday parties to casual weeknight get-togethers. Furthermore, their extraordinary versatility allows you to prepare them in advance and freeze them, ready to be baked to golden perfection at a later date, providing ultimate flexibility for busy hosts.
A Symphony of Flavors in Every Pocket
Each delicate puff pastry pocket is a miniature masterpiece, bursting with a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. With the irresistible combination of crisp, savory bacon, lusciously creamy brie, a hint of sweet honey, and fragrant thyme, you’re treated to a delightful explosion of warm, gooey, herbaceous, sweet, and savory notes. The buttery, flaky exterior of the puff pastry perfectly encases these incredible flavors, creating a truly perfect, portable bite that will have your guests reaching for more. These pockets are not just food; they are an experience, designed to tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
Sourcing Your Ingredients at Kroger & Supporting a Worthy Cause
For this absolutely “killer” **Baked Bacon Brie Pockets recipe**, I ensure I gather all my premium ingredients, including the essential Wright® Brand Bacon, from my trusted local Kroger® family store. (For all my Colorado friends, you know that means King Soopers!). Beyond the convenience and quality, there’s an added layer of goodness to your purchase. Tyson Foods, Inc. is committed to giving back, and they will generously donate $1 to Feeding America® for every participating Wright® Brand Bacon product sold. So, you can feel extra good knowing that your delicious holiday spread is also contributing to a meaningful cause.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
To further enhance the experience of these delightful **Bacon Brie Pockets**, consider pairing them with a refreshing cocktail. A crisp, elegant drink can beautifully complement the rich, savory flavors of the appetizer. I highly recommend trying this French Blonde Cocktail – its light, citrusy notes offer a fantastic contrast to the warm, creamy pockets. For an extra touch of sophistication, garnish your platter with a few fresh thyme sprigs or a light drizzle of additional honey just before serving. These small details not only add visual appeal but also enhance the aromatic experience, making your holiday appetizer truly unforgettable.
table of contents
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Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed but still cold
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tsp milk
- 1/2 wedge of brie about 4 ounces, chilled
- 4 slices Hickory-Smoked Wright® Brand Bacon cooked crispy and chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp thyme leaves chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets. Using a pastry cutter or a very sharp knife, cut each puff pastry sheet into thirds along its natural creases. Then, cut each of those three panels into four equal pieces. This should yield 24 small rectangles in total, allowing you to make 12 delightful pockets.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and milk to create a simple egg wash. Brush this mixture over 12 of the puff pastry rectangles. Place a small sliver of chilled brie (ensure the rind is included, as it helps hold its shape and adds flavor) directly in the center of each egg-washed rectangle.
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On top of the brie, add about 1/2 teaspoon of crispy, chopped Wright® Brand Bacon, followed by approximately 1/2 teaspoon of honey, and a delicate pinch of fresh thyme leaves. Take the remaining 12 puff pastry rectangles and gently place one over each filled rectangle. Press down along the edges to seal the pockets, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges together securely. Lightly prick the tops of each pocket with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
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Carefully transfer the prepared brie pockets onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of all the pockets with the remaining egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving them immediately to your eager guests.
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To freeze for later: After step 4, arrange unbaked pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place frozen pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet (no need to thaw), brush with egg wash, and bake at 375˚F for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.