Brie and cranberry puffs are tiny, tasty bites that are perfect for snacking or entertaining. Flaky pastry wraps creamy brie cheese and sweet cranberry sauce. Yum!
These little puffs are so easy to make, it feels like cheating! I love serving them at parties and watching everyone go back for seconds. Who can resist that gooey cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base of the puffs. You can use frozen puff pastry for ease. If you’re in a pinch, consider phyllo dough, although it will give a crispier texture. If you want a gluten-free option, check out gluten-free puff pastry or use gluten-free pie crusts.
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts well, but you could substitute with Camembert for a similar taste. If you’re avoiding cheese, try using a plant-based cream cheese to get a similar creamy texture.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. If you want to mix it up, use a fruit jam like raspberry or cherry for a different flavor. Just make sure it’s not too runny!
Thyme Sprigs: Fresh thyme adds a nice touch, but you could use dried thyme in a pinch. If you’re not a fan of thyme, rosemary works too and gives a lovely aroma.
How Do You Make Brie’s Melty Filling Perfectly?
The key to luscious brie in your puffs is to ensure you don’t overbake them. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep an eye on the baking time. As soon as the pastry turns golden brown, it’s done.
- Take the puffs out of the oven once the cheese begins to ooze slightly. This means it’s melted enough!
- Let them sit for a few minutes after baking, this will allow the cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to eat.
Enjoy your puffs fresh from the oven, and don’t forget to share (or not)! 😉
How to Make Brie and Cranberry Puffs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15-18 minutes of baking time. So, in about 40 minutes total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the puffs don’t stick when baking.
2. Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Next, take your thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface. Then, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the pastry into 12 equal squares. These will be your puffs!
3. Add the Cheese
Now for the star of the show! Place a small piece of brie cheese in the center of each square. Make sure it’s nice and cheesy—it’s what makes these puffs so delicious!
4. Shape the Puffs
Carefully fold the corners of each puff pastry square over the cheese. Pinch the edges gently to seal them, making a nice little pouch. Don’t worry about making them perfect—they’ll look amazing once baked!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the shaped puffs on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the seam side is down so they don’t pop open during baking.
6. Egg Wash for Shine
Brush the tops of each puff with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when they bake—yum!
7. Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the pastry to be puffed up and golden brown.
8. Add the Cranberry Sauce
Once out of the oven, let the puffs cool slightly. Then, spoon a bit of cranberry sauce on top of each puff for that sweet and tangy flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve
If you like, add a little fresh thyme sprig on top for extra flair. Now it’s time to serve your warm, scrumptious Brie and cranberry puffs. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional, you can also use Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure it melts well!
What If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough for a crispier texture or a pre-made pie crust for a different taste. Just be sure to adjust baking times accordingly!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the puffs and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bake them right before serving for the best texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked puffs and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.
