These tasty Brie and cranberry puffs are the perfect treat! Soft, flaky pastry wraps around creamy Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
They make a great finger food for gatherings—everyone loves them! I can’t help but grab a few (okay, maybe five!) when they’re fresh out of the oven. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff pastry: This light and flaky pastry is the star of the dish. If you’re short on time, a pre-made sheet is perfect. For a lighter option, you can try phyllo dough, but be aware it requires a bit more layering and buttering.
Brie cheese: Brie adds creamy flavor but feel free to swap it with Camembert or any soft cheese like goat cheese for a different taste. If you’re looking to cut calories, try using a reduced-fat cheese.
Cranberry sauce: Homemade is great if you have the time! Otherwise, jarred sauce works well too. For a twist, try using a fruit chutney or even a fig jam to add some unique flavors.
Egg wash: This gives the puffs a nice shine. If you want a vegan option, you can brush them with almond milk or just skip this step—your puffs will still turn out tasty!
How Do I Ensure My Puffs Are Flaky and Golden?
The key to perfect puffs lies in handling the puff pastry correctly. Here’s how to get that flaky texture:
- Keep your puff pastry as cold as possible before baking. Warm pastry won’t puff up as well.
- Don’t overwork the dough when rolling it out; this keeps the layers intact.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly; you don’t want any filling leaking out while they bake.
- Watch your bake time; puffs are done when they’re golden brown but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Brie and Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious puffs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out the Pastry:
Take your puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. This helps smooth out any creases and makes it easier to cut.
3. Cut Out the Circles:
Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles that are about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. You should have plenty of circles to work with—about 12 to 16 depending on your pastry size.
4. Assemble the Puffs:
Place half of the circles on your prepared baking sheet. In the center of each circle, place a small cube of Brie cheese. This is what will make your puffs cheesy and delicious!
5. Brush and Seal:
Take your beaten egg and brush it along the edges of the circles. This will help the top circle stick when you press them together. Cover the Brie with the remaining circles, pressing the edges gently to seal them well.
6. Finish with Egg Wash:
After sealing, brush the top of each puff with the remaining beaten egg. This gives them that beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Bake the Puffs:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up nicely.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top of each puff. If you’d like, you can add a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a lovely presentation.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these warm, and watch them disappear! They make a fantastic appetizer or a delicious snack for any occasion.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, you can substitute it with Camembert, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts nicely!
Can I Make These Puffs in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare and assemble the puffs ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in the oven chilled.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to retain that flaky texture.
What Can I Serve These Puffs With?
These Brie and cranberry puffs pair wonderfully with a simple salad or can be served alongside your favorite dipping sauce. They also go great with a glass of wine for a delightful appetizer experience!
