These brie and cranberry puffs are little bites of joy! Flaky pastry wraps around creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce, making them perfect for any snack time or party.
Honestly, they disappear fast at gatherings! I love serving them warm, right out of the oven. Who can resist that cheesy, fruity goodness? They’re just so fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: A key to those flaky layers. You can buy it frozen, just be sure to thaw it first. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry available in stores.
Brie Cheese: This soft cheese adds creaminess and flavor. If brie isn’t available, camembert or even a cream cheese could work as a substitute.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is great, but canned works well too for convenience. If you prefer a different flavor, try fig jam or even apple chutney!
Egg Wash: This gives the pastry a lovely golden color. If you’re vegan, use almond or soy milk instead, which can give a nice finish without the egg.
How Can I Ensure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly Flaky?
Getting your puff pastry just right can make all the difference! Here are some tips to help:
- Keep the pastry cold before baking. Warm pastry won’t puff well, so work quickly and chill if needed.
- Don’t overcrowd the pastry squares in the muffin tin; they need space to expand.
- Brush the edges with egg wash carefully. This helps the pastry to become golden while ensuring it puffs nicely.
- Watch your baking time. Every oven is different, so check for a nice golden brown color rather than relying solely on time.
How to Make Brie And Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115g) brie cheese, 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 will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at about 35 minutes total for a tasty treat that will impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. This helps to smooth any creases and prepares it for cutting. Don’t forget to flour your rolling pin too!
3. Cut the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into small squares, aiming for pieces about 2 to 2.5 inches wide. These will be your little puffs!
4. Form the Cups:
You can either place each square into a mini muffin tin or create little cups by pinching the corners of each square together. This will help hold all that gooey brie and cranberry goodness.
5. Add the Brie:
In the center of each pastry square, place a cube of brie cheese. You want them to be generous, as they will melt beautifully!
6. Top with Cranberry Sauce:
Using a teaspoon, add about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce right on top of the brie. The sweet and tangy sauce complements the creamy cheese perfectly!
7. Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and use a brush to gently paint the edges of the pastry squares. This will give them a lovely golden color once baked.
8. Bake the Puffs:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake your puffs for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should puff up and turn golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute before transferring to a serving platter. This helps avoid burnt fingers!
10. Garnish:
If you like, add a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of each puff for a decorative touch and added flavor.
11. Enjoy!
Serve warm and watch them disappear—everyone will love the warm, melty brie and the sweet cranberry filling. Enjoy your delicious homemade Brie and Cranberry Puffs!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie adds a creamy texture, you can substitute it with camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well!
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough instead. Just layer a few sheets together, brush with melted butter, cut into squares, and fill as you would. They’ll be a bit crispier but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brie and cranberry puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, so they regain their crispiness!
Can I Make These Puffs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pastry cups and fill them with brie and cranberry sauce ahead of time—just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. When ready, simply bake them fresh for the best results!