This easy puff pastry appetizer has the best combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it's so easy to make! You can cut the recipe in half and use 1 sheet of puff pastry if you only want to make 9 servings... but I have a feeling you'll be reaching for seconds and thirds! Tip: Thaw the puff pastry while you slice and prep the rest of the ingredients. Air fryer instructions are included in the notes.
Thaw puff pastry at room temperature before prepping the rest of the ingredients. Thaw until they unfold without cracking. Don't let it get too warm, or it will be too floppy and sticky and will be hard to work with.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or silicone mats. Measure out how many baking sheets you will need depending on your puff pastry size. Use 2 sheets if they will fit in the oven, otherwise you might need to bake in 2 batches.
Optional step: If you want individual puff pastry appetizers, cut each puff pastry sheet into 9 squares, otherwise leave it whole and make one large puff pastry flatbread.
Place your puff pastry on your prepared baking sheet. To create a picture frame effect, cut around the perimeter of the sheet with a sharp knife about ½ inch from the outside edge, but do not cut all the way through. Pierce the inner part of the pastry with a fork just like you would a pie crust.
Add the sliced brie in a single layer on top of the inner rectangle. Top with pear slices, then sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush the top with maple syrup.
Create an egg wash by whisking one tablespoon of water with one egg yolk. Brush the egg mixture over the edges of the puff pastry.
Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry edges puff up and turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
→ Puff pastry: Puff pastry typically comes in a 1 lb package containing 2 large square sheets. 2 sheets will make approximately 18 appetizer servings. You can cut the puff pastry into squares (9 squares per sheet) or into 3 strips before baking, or you can bake the 2 large pieces and slice after. Up to you! Smaller squares are great for appetizers, larger strips/squares are good for serving as the main dish to cut up and share at the table. → Pear: Bartlett pears have nice and soft skin that you do not need to peel. If your pear has tough skin, peel it before slicing. I really recommend slicing the pear into thin even slices instead of wedges. Get 3 pears in case you need a little extra to fill up the puff pastries.→ Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices are optional. If you're not sure about them, try sprinkling some on half of the puff pastry and see how you like it! → More topping ideas: try adding crumbled feta or blue cheese, crushed walnuts, caramelized onions, fresh sliced figs, or a drizzle of hot honey.→ Air fryer instructions: Figure out what size puff pastry can fit in your air fryer and cut it into squares or strips that will fit, if needed. Preheat air fryer to 350F. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are flaky and golden brown. Every air fryer cooks differently, so check on the puff pastry after about 5 minutes to make sure it's not burning.