Blackberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry – easiest Thanksgiving appetizer

Not that your appetizers need to be “elevated” for the holidays or ever… but these Blackberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastries are one of those recipes that look like you spent way more time on them than you actually did. They’re flaky, lightly sweet, a little tangy, and honestly just a fun way to use up a sheet of puff pastry you probably already have hanging out in your freezer.

I love this recipe because it checks all my boxes: quick to prep, minimal ingredients, and kid-approved (anything wrapped in pastry disappears fast around here). They’re perfect for brunch boards, last-minute get-togethers, or a cozy night in when you want something warm and pretty without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love These

• Minimal ingredients, major flavor. Sweet blackberries, creamy goat cheese, and honey are a dream team.

• They feel fancy without the work. The puff pastry does all the heavy lifting — you just assemble and bake.

• Kid + adult approved. A little sweet, a little savory, nothing too complicated.

• Season-less. Fresh or frozen berries both work, making this easy year-round.

• Perfect for hosting. They’re beautiful on a grazing board and always get a “Wait, you made these?” moment.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed – I used gluten-free

• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling, I used Manuka Honey)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen — just thaw and drain well)

• 1 egg, beaten – can use melted butter

• Optional: fresh thyme or mint leaves for serving

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out your puff pastry and cut it into 6 rectangles (or whatever shapes you’re feeling). Transfer them to the baking sheet.

3. Stir together the goat cheese, honey, and lemon zest until creamy.

4. Spread a thin layer of the goat cheese mixture on each pastry, leaving a small border.

5. Add a handful of blackberries to each one and gently press them into the cheese.

6. Brush the edges with the beaten egg.

7. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

8. Drizzle with extra honey and finish with fresh herbs.

To Serve

Best warm out of the oven, but still delicious once cooled. Add them to a brunch spread, pair with a simple salad, or serve as an easy holiday appetizer. Tag me @WhatRobinEats if you make them!

Blackberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry - easiest Thanksgiving appetizer

Flaky puff pastry topped with creamy honey-lemon goat cheese and juicy blackberries. These easy, five-minute-prep pastries bake up golden, sweet, and tangy — the perfect brunch bite or simple appetizer that looks fancy without the fuss.

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Servings 12 pastries

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey OR manuka honey
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup blackberries, fresh preferred
• 1 egg, beaten OR 3-4 tbsp butter melted
• optional: fresh thyme or mint leaves for serving
• extra honey to drizzle on top - I used hot honey!

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out your puff pastry and cut it into 6 rectangles (or whatever shapes you’re feeling). Transfer them to the baking sheet.
• Stir together the goat cheese, honey, and lemon zest until creamy. Spread a thin layer of the goat cheese mixture on each pastry, leaving a small border.
• Add a handful of blackberries to each one and gently press them into the cheese. Brush the edges with the beaten egg.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Drizzle with extra honey and finish with fresh herbs.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!