These cute Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are perfect for any gathering! Flaky pastry wraps around creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce for a tasty bite.
These stars are a hit at parties! I love how easy they are to make—just fill, fold, and bake. Serve them warm, and watch everyone smile bright. Who wouldn’t love cheese in a star shape? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the backbone of your stars, providing that flaky texture. If you can’t find frozen puff pastry, you can use crescent dough as a substitute, though it will taste a little different.
Brie Cheese: The creamy brie gives a wonderful melt. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a camembert or even a low-fat soft cheese. Just make sure to remove the rind first!
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher taste, or store-bought for convenience. If you prefer something a bit sweeter, swap it for a fruit chutney.
Nuts: I love using walnuts for a nice crunch, but if you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a great alternative!
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a lovely flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works, but use a smaller amount, as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Perfect Puff Pastry Texture?
The key to achieving that lovely flaky texture with puff pastry is in how you handle it. Make sure to keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to bake. Here are some tips:
- Don’t work the dough too much; just roll it out enough to smooth it. Overworking can make it tough.
- Chill the pastry in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes after cutting it into shapes; this helps it puff better when baking.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Hot oven air makes the layers rise beautifully!
Following these tips will help your cranberry brie puff pastry stars turn out perfectly every time!
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll have delicious, flaky puff pastry stars ready in just around 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute appetizer or a festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your puff pastry will rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet gently. You just want to smooth it out a bit—don’t overwork it! Once it’s ready, grab a star-shaped cookie cutter, about 3-4 inches in size, and cut out star shapes from the pastry. Roll any scraps to cut out additional shapes.
3. Assemble the Stars:
On your lined baking sheet, place half of the star shapes. In the center of each star, add a small piece of Brie cheese. Next, spoon a little cranberry sauce over the cheese, just enough to add flavor but not overwhelm it!
4. Add the Crunch and Flavor:
Sprinkle a bit of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cranberry sauce, and if you’d like, add a pinch of fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant touch.
5. Seal the Stars:
Take the other half of your star shapes and place them carefully on top of the filled stars. Gently press the edges to seal them up. Brush the edges with the beaten egg wash—this helps them get that lovely golden color when baked.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the stars from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring them to a serving plate. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles they bring!
These flaky, creamy, and festive cranberry brie stars make delightful appetizers and are sure to impress your guests at any gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberry Sauce in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have frozen cranberry sauce, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a bowl of warm water for a quick thaw. Make sure to stir it well before using to get that smooth consistency.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use Instead of Brie?
If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can use other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese. Both will melt beautifully and offer a delicious flavor combination with the cranberry sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up once more.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pastry stars up to a day in advance. Simply assemble them without baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven just before serving for a fresh golden finish!
