Festive Cranberry Brie Puffs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 18 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Festive Cranberry Brie Puffs are your go-to appetizer for impressing guests with minimal effort. These delightful morsels combine the rich creaminess of brie with the tartness of cranberries, all wrapped in a buttery puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Brie Puffs

Puff pastry is the flaky, buttery base that makes these puffs irresistible. It's store-bought for convenience, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Brie cheese adds a creamy, rich texture and mild flavor, pairing beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberries.

Cranberry sauce provides a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the brie. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.

Pecans offer a crunchy contrast to the soft cheese and pastry, with a hint of nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor.

Egg wash gives the pastry a golden, shiny finish. It’s the secret to visually appealing puffs.

Melted butter and honey drizzle add a touch of richness and sweetness right after baking, enhancing the flavors.

Fresh thyme leaves provide a subtle herbal note and add a pop of color for garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Thaw the puff pastry in the fridge overnight to make it easier to handle.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts of the pastry.
  • Don't overfill the pastries to avoid leaks during baking.
  • Make sure the brie is cold when cutting into cubes to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these puffs as an appetizer at your next holiday gathering or dinner party. Pair with a light, crisp white wine or sparkling cider to complement the flavors. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread with other savory pastries and fresh fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the puffs, cover, and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best results.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Camembert or a creamy goat cheese would work well as alternatives.
What if I don't have fresh thyme?
Feel free to use dried thyme sparingly or substitute with fresh rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Festive Cranberry Brie Puffs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your puffs bake evenly and don't stick.

Next, roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Carefully cut each sheet into 12 equal squares. A pizza cutter works great for this task!

Place a small cube of brie right in the center of each square. Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the brie, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a small parcel. Pinch the edges together to seal them well so the cheese won't escape during baking.

Arrange the parcels on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Brush each parcel with the beaten egg to achieve a nice golden brown color.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they turn golden brown and flaky.

As soon as you take them out of the oven, drizzle with the melted butter and honey, which gives them an extra flavor boost.

Finally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a touch of color and an herbal hint, then serve them warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for entertaining.
  • A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors.
  • Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
  • Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.

Ingredients

1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets)
8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 egg, beaten for egg wash
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut each into 12 equal squares.
3. Place a cube of brie in the center of each square and top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of pecans.
4. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a small parcel and pinch to seal.
5. Place parcels on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush each parcel with egg wash and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
7. Drizzle with melted butter and honey immediately after removing from the oven.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

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