These little stars are my holiday go to when I need something that looks special but does not eat up my day. Made these once when family turned up unannounced and I had a toddler hanging off my leg. Total lifesaver. Easy cranberry brie appetizers in puff pastry are exactly the kind of thing I mean: quiet prep, big payoff.
The pastry gets all melty and the cranberry sauce gives a nice tart kick. It is simple and forgiving. You can make most of it ahead and finish at the last minute. I like that the star shape tricks picky eaters and the thyme lifts the flavours without fuss. Once you try it, it will probably become your go to for parties and rushed evenings.
I fiddled with local cheeses after a trip to Berlin, but this combo wins for classic holiday vibes. It is cozy like your favourite jumper and messy in the best way when the cheese oozes. One time Ellie tried to help and left glitter from craft time on the tray. She still ate them. Actually, scratch that. She ate nearly all of them.
Preheat the oven to 360 °F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, unroll the puff pastry sheet.
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 40 pastry stars.
Place half of the pastry stars on the prepared baking sheet.
Using a beaten egg, brush a thin layer over the top of pastry stars.
Top each pastry star with another pastry star, then brush the tops with a thin layer of beaten egg.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the stars are puffed and golden.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top each pastry star with a small piece of brie cheese and place back in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the pastry stars to a serving platter. Top each pastry star with a small amount of cranberry sauce. Add a few fresh thyme leaves on top.
Serve right away!
You will not need anything fancy. A large baking sheet lined with parchment is the base. I use a beat up baking sheet with a darkened corner and it works fine. A star shaped cookie cutter about three inches wide makes life quicker. If you do not have one, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do.
Flour a clean surface so the dough does not stick. A small bowl and a pastry brush for the egg wash help you get that golden shine. Use one beaten egg mixed with a splash of water. For the brie, a sharp knife and a small spoon for dollops of cranberry sauce are handy. Oven at about 360 degrees Fahrenheit and a timer are all you really need.
Thaw puff pastry in the fridge overnight rather than on the counter. Trust me, it keeps the layers intact so everything puffs up properly. First time I rushed it and ended up with sad flat bits. Never again.
Dip your cutter in flour between presses so the stars come out clean and sharp. Egg wash is your friend. A light, even brush seals the layers and gives a nice golden finish without sogginess. Brush lightly. Easy does it.
Keep the brie cold until you need it. Cold slices are easier to place and they melt just right in the final bake. For cranberry, chunky sauce is my pick since it gives texture. A little fresh thyme on top brightens everything but if you are out, dried thyme or rosemary works too. This is great Christmas party finger food and it looks like you spent ages on it even when you did not.
Picture turning these stars into a loaf you can share. Roll out a sheet of pastry, spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce, dot with brie pieces and thyme, then fold and twist into a braid or a loose log. It bakes up flaky and everyone can pull off a piece. This Cranberry brie pull apart bread is brilliant for a crowd. It takes a bit more time but it disappears fast.
Swap cranberry for a savory jam like fig or onion and add rosemary with the thyme. Brush a little garlic infused oil on the pastry before adding brie. These lean more adult and pair well with wine. Try them when you want something less sweet and more grown up.
Stir finely chopped spinach or roasted red pepper into the cranberry sauce for a hidden helping of veg. Pat the veg dry first so the filling does not make the pastry soggy. These are an easy way to add colour and a bit of green to party food.
If you want a shareable centrepiece, try the pull apart version with extra thyme between layers. It is basically a festive bread filled with gooey cheese and bright bits of cranberry. Kids love pulling it apart. Adults do too.
Serve warm on a platter scattered with extra thyme leaves. A crisp white wine or a light bubbly cuts through the richness. For kids and non drinkers, sparkling apple cider keeps things festive. These sit well on a table as part of a bigger spread with stuffed olives or prosciutto wrapped dates.
If you want a simple pairing, put them alongside a cheese board or a bowl of mixed nuts. For a non alcohol option think herbal tea or sparkling juice. These also work as a light starter before roast turkey. They are a solid Holiday appetizer and they hold up well if you need to make them in advance.
Yes. Assemble up to the point before baking, cover and chill for up to a day. When ready, brush with egg and bake. I did this for a school event and it saved my evening. One note: add the brie and a dab of cranberry after the main bake if you want the cheese to stay nicely melty rather than completely melted away.
No problem. Use dried thyme at about half the amount or swap rosemary if you prefer a stronger note. The herbs are a lift not the main show so the recipe still sings without them.
Yes, as long as your puff pastry is vegetarian friendly. Most shop bought versions are fine but double check labels. The brie and cranberry are naturally vegetarian and people tend to love them regardless of diet.
Unroll pastry into a sheet, spread cranberry and brie, score into strips and twist or braid into a loaf. Bake a little longer so the centre cooks through. We made one for a neighbourhood potluck and it vanished in minutes.
Think mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms or veggie crudites for contrast. Cheese straws are an easy follow up and add crunch. Mix a few styles so there is something for everyone.
Make a batch of these adorable Christmas Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars for a holiday gathering and wow your guests. Puffy little stars topped with melted cheese and cranberry sauce are so easy to pop into your mouth. Delicious! Made this recipe? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
These cranberry brie puff pastry stars are altogether sweet, savory, buttery, and flaky. Perfect!
