These Brie and Cranberry Puffs are little pockets of joy! Flaky pastry wraps creamy Brie and sweet cranberry sauce, making them perfect for any snack time or party.
Trust me, when I bite into one, I can’t help but smile. They’re like warm hugs for your taste buds! Serve them fresh from the oven for a cozy treat that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is essential for that flaky texture. If you’re in a pinch, you could use phyllo dough, but the texture will be slightly different. I love the puff pastry for its buttery layers!
Brie Cheese: The creamy Brie gives a rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, goat cheese or Camembert can work just as well—both will provide that soft texture and nice taste!
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is my favorite because of the texture it brings. If you don’t have any, you can use cranberry preserves or even homemade cranberry sauce if you like a more intense flavor!
Egg Wash: The egg wash helps achieve that beautiful golden crust. If you want to keep it vegan, you can use almond milk or a mixture of water and cornstarch for a similar effect.
How Do I Get the Puff Pastry to Rise Perfectly?
Getting the puff pastry to rise is all about handling it carefully and keeping it cold. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it; this helps the layers stay separate and puff up.
- Roll it out just enough to smooth it out without pressing it too thin—about 1/8 inch is perfect.
- Don’t overcrowd your muffin cups; each one needs space to puff up and expand while baking.
- Brush the edges with egg wash, but avoid getting it on the inside where the filling is. This keeps the pastry from sealing shut.
With these tips in mind, you’ll get beautifully rising, golden puff pastries every time!
Delicious Brie And Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, cut into small cubes or slices
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably whole berry)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you’ll have these delightful pastries ready in about 35-40 minutes, perfect for a quick and impressive snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This will help the puffs come out easily once they’re baked!
2. Roll Out the Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently. You want to smooth it out and slightly enlarge it. Cut the rolled sheet into 12 equal squares. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll puff up beautifully!
3. Shape the Puffs:
Now, gently press each square into the mini muffin cups, forming little pastry cups. Make sure they are snug but not too tight. This is where all the delicious filling will go!
4. Add the Filling:
Place a piece of Brie cheese into the bottom of each pastry cup. Then, top the Brie with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. This sweet and savory combination is what makes these puffs so delightful!
5. Brush the Edges:
Take the beaten egg and brush it onto the exposed edges of the puff pastry. This step helps give them that beautiful golden brown color when they’re baking.
6. Bake Them Up:
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them because you want them to look lovely and crispy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer the puffs to a serving tray. If you like, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a touch of color and flavor. Serve these warm and enjoy the crispy, creamy, and sweet combination that everyone will rave about!
These delightful Brie and Cranberry Puffs make the perfect festive appetizer or a snack. They’re easy to make and oh-so-good to eat!
Can I Use Different Cheeses Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is creamy and mild, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese is soft enough to melt nicely!
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry available in stores. Just ensure it’s completely thawed before working with it. The final product will be equally delicious!
Can I Prepare These Puffs in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the puffs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just take them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature for best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry crispy.