Brie and cranberry puffs are cute little bites packed with creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They’re perfect for any gathering!
These delightful puffs are a hit, and they’re super easy to make! I love serving them warm, fresh out of the oven. It’s hard to eat just one—trust me, I’ve tried! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of your dish, creating those flaky layers. You can use store-bought pastry for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade puff pastry adds a lovely touch!
Brie Cheese: Brie gives a creamy, buttery flavor. If you can’t find it, Camembert or even a soft cream cheese can work as substitutes, but the taste will slightly change.
Cranberry Sauce: I recommend using homemade cranberry sauce for freshness, but store-bought works just as well. You could try apple or fig preserves for a twist if you’re in the mood for something different!
Egg Wash: This adds a beautiful golden color to your pastry. If you’re looking for a vegan option, a mixture of almond milk and a bit of maple syrup can help give a sheen.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Puffed Pastry?
Getting that lovely puff in your pastry is all about handling the dough correctly. Here are a few tips to ensure your puffs come out perfect:
- Keep the puff pastry cold. Warm dough won’t puff as well, so work quickly and keep it in the fridge before you use it.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it helps in browning the pastry nicely.
- Don’t overfill your pastries. A small piece of Brie and a little cranberry sauce are enough to let the pastry shine!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to serving delightful Brie and Cranberry Puffs! They’re sure to impress at your next gathering.
How to Make Delicious Brie And Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 6 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll have warm and delicious bites ready to serve. Total time is about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Pastry:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make your clean-up a breeze!
2. Cutting the Pastry:
Next, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 12 equal squares. Aim for about 3×3 inch squares for the best bite-sized portions.
3. Filling with Brie:
Take each square and place a small piece of Brie cheese in the center. Be generous but don’t overdo it— a little goes a long way!
4. Creating the Puffs:
Now, fold the pastry squares into little parcels by bringing the corners together. If you prefer, you can fold them in half for a simpler shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly and avoid any cheesy spills!
5. Egg Wash for Shine:
In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of your pastry parcels lightly with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
6. Baking Time:
Place your filled pastries on the baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
7. Adding Cranberry Sauce:
Once baked, take them out and let them cool slightly. If you left the pastries open-faced, now is the time to spoon a dollop of cranberry sauce on top of each puff. If they are fully enclosed, you can still add a bit on top for extra flavor!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
For a touch of freshness, garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme before serving. These puffs are best enjoyed warm, so gather your friends and dig in!
These Brie and Cranberry Puffs are perfect as elegant appetizers or festive finger foods. Enjoy the tasty combination of creamy, sweet, and flaky all in one bite!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While Brie is a classic choice for its creamy texture, you can substitute it with Camembert or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use phyllo dough or even biscuit dough as an alternative. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly; phyllo will bake faster since it’s thinner.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Brie and Cranberry Puffs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Puffs?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked puffs! Just make sure to place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!