These Brie and Cranberry Puffs are little bites of joy! Flaky pastry filled with creamy brie and sweet cranberry make them perfect for snacking or parties.
They look fancy but are super easy to make! Whenever I whip these up, everyone is always amazed—little do they know how simple it is. Perfect with a cozy drink!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is a lifesaver for this recipe! If you don’t have it, you can try phyllo dough, but the texture will be different. You can also make your own if you’re feeling ambitious, though it requires more time!
Brie Cheese: Use good-quality Brie for a creamy texture. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert works as a great substitute. It’s similar in flavor and meltiness—perfect for this dish.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience. If you want to make your own, fresh cranberries cooked with sugar and water will do the trick. Alternatively, whole berry sauce is a delightful choice if you prefer chunks.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pastry a shiny finish. If you prefer a vegan option, you can brush with a mix of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup instead.
How Do I Ensure the Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting the puff pastry just right can be tricky, but it’s so rewarding! Remember to keep everything cold; this helps the pastry puff more beautifully when baked.
- Thaw the puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it’s workable.
- Don’t overwork the dough when rolling it out; a light touch is best!
- Chill the assembled puffs for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This will help them maintain their shape and puff up nicely.
Brie and Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small squares
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or fresh whole cranberries cooked with sugar
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 15-20 minutes to bake. You can have these beautiful puffs ready and on the table in about 30-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While your oven warms up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This will ensure your puffs come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Roll and Cut the Pastry:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry just to smooth it out. Don’t overdo it—just enough to make it easy to work with! Then, using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into about 12 squares, each around 2 to 2.5 inches in size.
3. Form the Shells:
Now, gently press each pastry square into the cups of the mini muffin tin, creating little pastry shells. Make sure they fit snugly but don’t stretch them too thin!
4. Add the Brie:
Place a small piece of Brie cheese in the bottom of each pastry shell. Don’t be shy—this creamy goodness is what makes these puffs so special!
5. Spoon on the Cranberries:
Using a small spoon, top each piece of Brie with about a tablespoon of cranberry sauce. The contrast of sweet and creamy is heavenly! If you’re using fresh cranberries, be sure they’re sweetened to your taste.
6. Egg Wash for Color:
To give your puffs a lovely golden hue, lightly brush the outer edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This step is key for that beautiful finish!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Now it’s time for baking! Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and let the puffs bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re all puffed up, golden brown, and the Brie is melted. The smell will be irresistible!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then carefully take them out of the muffin tin. They can be hot, so be gentle!
9. Garnish:
If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish each puff with a small sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. It not only makes them look more attractive but adds a lovely aroma.
10. Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to serve these warm, either as a delectable appetizer or a snack at your next gathering. Enjoy the flaky, buttery pastry, creamy Brie, and sweet-tart cranberries—everyone will be asking for more!
These Brie and Cranberry Puffs are a festive treat everyone will love, and they’re sure to impress your guests with minimal effort!
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is classic for this recipe, you can use Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the puffs to the point of baking, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to a day. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking, or bake them straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Serve with Brie and Cranberry Puffs?
These puffs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving them alongside a fresh salad, a cheese platter, or even some warm soup for a delightful appetizer spread!
