These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are adorable little bites filled with gooey cheese and sweet cranberry sauce. Perfect for impressing guests at any gathering!
Honestly, watching them puff up in the oven is like magic! I love serving them warm, and I can’t resist grabbing a few before they hit the table. Who could blame me? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the dish! If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry works great. For a healthier option, you can try phyllo dough, but it will have a different texture. Be sure it’s thawed before you start!
Brie Cheese: Brie gives a lovely creaminess. If you’re not a fan, Camembert or goat cheese can be good alternatives. Just remember that goat cheese will give a tangy flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is perfect, but you can substitute with homemade cranberry sauce or even a fruit chutney if you like experimenting with flavors.
Egg Wash: For a vegan alternative, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or even aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) brushed on top for a nice golden finish.
How Can I Make Sure My Puff Pastry Stars Are Perfectly Puffing Up?
Puff pastry can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll have those lovely layers! Here are some tips:
- Keep the puff pastry cold: If it warms up, it won’t puff properly. Work quickly when assembling your stars.
- Don’t overload on filling: Use just the right amount of brie and cranberry sauce. Too much can make the pastry soggy.
- Seal the edges well: Brushing the edges with egg wash and pressing them together helps keep the filling inside.
- Use parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and aids in even cooking.
Following these tips will help you create perfectly golden and fluffy puff pastry stars every time! Enjoy your delicious creations!
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (or fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
- A pinch of black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. In just a little over half an hour, you’ll have these tasty treats ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold or roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rough square, about 12×12 inches. This will give you enough space to cut out your stars.
3. Cut Out Star Shapes:
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter that’s about 2.5 to 3 inches wide, cut out your star shapes. If you have any scraps, don’t toss them! You can reroll them and cut out more stars until you’ve used all the dough.
4. Build the Base:
Take half of your star shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. These will be the base for your filling!
5. Add the Brie:
Place a small piece of brie cheese on each star base. If you enjoy a little kick, sprinkle on a light pinch of black pepper for added flavor.
6. Layer on the Cranberry Sauce:
Top each piece of brie with about 1 teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce. This sweet-tart layer pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese!
7. Seal the Stars:
Brush the edges of each star with the beaten egg to help seal them. Now, gently place the remaining star shapes on top, pressing down around the edges to seal the pastry snugly.
8. Egg Wash for Shine:
Brush the tops of the puff pastry stars with the egg wash to achieve that gorgeous golden finish when baked.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully puffed up and golden brown, and the cheese has melted heavenly.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
These flaky, cheesy, and sweet Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars are best served warm. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is the classic choice for its creaminess, you can substitute with Camembert for a similar texture or even goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Just keep the cheese’s meltability in mind when choosing a substitute!
Can I Make These Puff Pastry Stars in Advance?
Yes, you can prep these stars ahead of time! Assemble them completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover stars, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revitalize that flaky pastry.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Puff Pastry Stars?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked stars. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time!
