Fall gatherings call for recipes that are both seasonal and elegant, and these Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites are the perfect solution. With creamy goat cheese, earthy pumpkin, warm spices, and a flaky pastry or crunchy base, these bite-sized treats deliver big flavor in a small package. They’re simple to prepare, easy to serve, and guaranteed to impress guests at holiday parties, Friendsgiving, or even as a cozy appetizer for a family dinner.
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites
Equipment
- mini muffin tin if using puff pastry
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Baking sheet for puff pastry squares
- small spoon or piping bag for filling
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or 24 mini phyllo cups or crostini)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh sage or thyme, chopped
- 0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- If using puff pastry: preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut pastry into 2-inch squares, press into mini muffin tins, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. If using phyllo cups or crostini, skip this step.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin purée, goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon filling into pastry shells, phyllo cups, or onto crostini.
- Top with fresh herbs, nuts, or pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with honey just before serving.
Notes
What are Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites?
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites are small appetizers featuring roasted or puréed pumpkin paired with tangy goat cheese. The creamy, savory-sweet filling is usually served in puff pastry shells, phyllo cups, or on crostini. Topped with herbs, honey, or nuts, they’re versatile enough to work as either a sweet-savory snack or a sophisticated party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 24 bites.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or 24 mini phyllo cups or toasted crostini)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage or thyme, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Garnish options
- Honey drizzle
- Fresh herbs
- Crushed nuts
- Pomegranate seeds
Substitutions
- Use butternut squash purée instead of pumpkin.
- Swap goat cheese for feta or ricotta.
- Make dairy-free with cashew cream instead of goat cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the base
If using puff pastry: preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut pastry into 2-inch squares, press into mini muffin tins, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. If using phyllo cups or crostini, skip this step.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a bowl, mix pumpkin purée, goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble
Spoon filling into pastry shells, phyllo cups, or onto crostini.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Top with fresh herbs, nuts, or pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with honey just before serving.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites
- Use room-temperature goat cheese for easy mixing.
- Keep puff pastry cold before baking for maximum flakiness.
- Add garnishes just before serving for freshness.
- Serve warm or at room temperature—they’re delicious both ways.
Variations
These bites are incredibly adaptable:
- Savory-herb version: Skip honey and add garlic, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Sweet holiday version: Add more honey and sprinkle with candied pecans.
- Caramelized onion topping: Add a spoonful of caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Cranberry twist: Top with cranberry sauce for a festive holiday flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Freezer: Not recommended—pastry can lose crispness.
- Make-ahead: Prepare filling up to 2 days in advance; fill shells just before serving.
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites work beautifully for:
- Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving appetizers
- Halloween parties
- Wine and cheese nights
- Holiday gatherings
- Elegant fall snack boards
Pair with sparkling wine, cider, or a light red for a perfect flavor match.
Nutrition Breakdown
Each bite has about 90–110 calories, 3 grams protein, 7 grams carbs, and 6 grams fat. They’re indulgent but portion-friendly.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Bites are the ultimate fall appetizer—festive, flavorful, and easy to make. With their creamy pumpkin-goat cheese filling, flaky pastry base, and customizable toppings, they bring elegance and warmth to any table. Perfect for holiday entertaining or cozy nights in, these little bites will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
FAQs
Can I make these with canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly.
Do I need puff pastry?
No, phyllo cups or toasted crostini are great alternatives.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, prepare the filling ahead, then assemble just before serving.
Can I serve them cold?
Yes, but they’re best slightly warm.