These Brie and Cranberry Puffs are little bites of joy! Golden and flaky, they are filled with creamy Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
They’re perfect for parties or cozy nights at home. I love to pop a few of these in my mouth while watching a movie—who could resist that cheesy goodness? 🎥🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Make sure to use a high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky results. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with phyllo dough, but keep in mind that phyllo may require more layers for similar flakiness.
Brie Cheese: Brie gives a lovely creamy texture and flavor. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative. For a vegan option, try using a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Cranberry Sauce: Fresh cranberry sauce elevates these puffs, but you can use store-bought or even raspberry or cherry preserves if you’re feeling adventurous. It changes the flavor but keeps that sweet-tart element!
Egg Wash: The egg wash adds a beautifully golden color. For a vegan option, a mixture of almond milk and a bit of turmeric can work as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
Achieving perfectly puffed pastry takes a little care! Here’s how to ensure it rises beautifully:
- Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator to keep it cold; this helps it puff up better in the oven.
- Roll the pastry gently without squishing it flat. You want to keep those layers intact.
- Make sure to brush just the tops with egg wash; avoid getting it on the edges to help them puff up.
- Do not crowd the puffs on the baking sheet, as they need room to rise!
Following these tips will surely give you that delightful flaky texture and beautiful golden color! Enjoy making these yummy puffs!
Brie And Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 15-18 minutes for baking, totaling around 30-35 minutes to have these delicious Brie and Cranberry Puffs ready to serve. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While your oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy!
2. Rolling Out the Puff Pastry:
Take out the puff pastry and roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface. This helps smooth out any creases. You want it to be nice and even, so it cooks up beautifully!
3. Cutting the Puff Pastry:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled-out pastry into small squares, about 2×2 inches. This will be the perfect size for holding the delicious filling!
4. Filling with Brie:
Take half of the pastry squares and place a cube of Brie cheese right in the center of each one. Don’t be shy; a nice chunk of Brie will melt beautifully!
5. Sealing the Puffs:
Now, take the remaining pastry squares and place them on top of the Brie. Gently press the edges together to seal them closed. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for extra sealing if you like!
6. Adding the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg until it’s well combined. Use a pastry brush to apply a light layer of the egg wash on top of each puff. This gives them a lovely golden color as they bake!
7. Baking the Puffs:
Time to bake! Place your prepared puffs on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to puff up. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
8. Cool and Top:
Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of each puff for that sweet-tart flavor!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for that extra touch. Serve these warm and enjoy every flaky, cheesy, and delicious bite!
These Brie and Cranberry Puffs are perfect as appetizers or a festive snack! They are sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at any gathering!
Can I Use Different Cheeses Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is wonderfully creamy, you can substitute it with Camembert, goat cheese, or even cheddar for a stronger flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the best texture!
Can I Make These Puffs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the puffs and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just brush the tops with egg wash right before popping them in the oven!
How Do I Store Leftover Puffs?
Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Freeze These Puffs?
Definitely! You can freeze the unbaked puffs. Assemble them, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.