Get ready to delight your taste buds with this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe—a festive, bite-sized treat that perfectly balances the creamy richness of Brie, the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the buttery flakiness of puff pastry. This appetizer brings vibrant flavors and a stunning presentation to any gathering, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share around the holiday table or any cozy get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create a remarkable combination of savory, sweet, and citrusy notes, with textures ranging from flaky crisp to smooth and melty. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the full flavor and irresistible appeal of this dish.
- Puff pastry sheets: The golden, flaky base that holds everything together and provides that irresistible crunch.
- Cranberry sauce: Offers a tart-sweet burst that brightens each bite and pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor that elevate the overall taste profile.
- Sugar and cinnamon: These subtle sweet and warm spices complement the cranberries perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor depth.
- Brie cheese wedge: Creamy and mild, this cheese melts wonderfully, making every bite smooth and indulgent.
- Egg and heavy whipping cream: Create a rich egg wash that gives the pastry a shiny golden finish.
- Melted salted butter: Brushed on after baking to add extra richness and an appetizing glaze.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): A fragrant garnish that adds a pleasant herbal note to the final presentation.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First things first, set your oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your puff pastry won’t stick and will bake evenly with a gorgeous golden bottom.
Step 2: Let the Puff Pastry Come to Temperature
If your puff pastry is refrigerated, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes at room temperature so it’s easier to handle. If frozen, it needs about 30 minutes to thaw and become pliable without melting.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust a cutting board with flour to prevent sticking. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and use a rolling pin to shape it into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle—this creates the perfect size for cutting your squares.
Step 4: Score the Puff Pastry Squares
Cut the pastry into 12 squares (3 across the 9-inch side and 4 along the 12-inch side). Carefully score a ½-inch border around the edges of each square without cutting all the way through. This scoring step creates a lovely frame that puffs up around the filling.
Step 5: Make the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth. This mixture will give your pastry squares their shiny, golden finish.
Step 6: Arrange and Brush the Pastry Squares
Place 12 pastry squares on each prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Gently brush the outer edges of the squares with the egg wash to enhance browning during baking.
Step 7: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
Mix together the cranberry sauce, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This flavorful blend is the heart of the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe, adding that festive tang and warmth.
Step 8: Fill and Top Each Square
Spoon 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of the cranberry mixture into the center of each pastry square. Use the back of the teaspoon to create a small well in the sauce, then nestle a cube of Brie cheese right into the center. This layering ensures creamy, melted cheese surrounded by fruity sauce in every bite.
Step 9: Bake and Finish with Butter
Bake the squares for 16 to 18 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and crisp. Once out of the oven, immediately brush the edges with melted butter for an extra luscious finish. Let them rest just a few minutes to set before serving—perhaps with a sprinkle of extra orange zest and fresh rosemary for a gorgeous, fragrant touch.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping the squares with a bit more orange zest for a pop of color and brightness. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a lovely festive aroma and a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors.
Side Dishes
These puff pastry squares make an incredible appetizer alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or a light soup like butternut squash bisque. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of your favorite white wine or a sparkling beverage to enhance the celebratory spirit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, arrange the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe on a rustic wooden platter or a festive serving tray. Garnish the platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for visual appeal. You can even serve them warm wrapped in parchment for a casual gathering or plated elegantly for holiday entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you just might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, remaining tasty and fairly crisp when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them a convenient make-ahead appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Reheating
To bring back their flaky texture and melty filling, reheat the squares in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This method preserves the crispness of the puff pastry and keeps the Brie delightfully gooey.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of Brie?
While cream cheese is an option, Brie’s rich creaminess and mild nuttiness lend the ideal flavor and texture to this recipe. Cream cheese won’t melt quite the same way, so the experience will be different but still tasty.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, you would need to substitute the puff pastry with a vegan-friendly variety, use a plant-based cheese alternative, and replace egg wash with a non-dairy milk or aquafaba. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change accordingly.
How far in advance can I assemble these before baking?
You can assemble the squares and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, personalized touch. Just be sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t make the pastry soggy during baking.
What can I serve with these for a holiday party?
These squares pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards, light salads, and sparkling beverages like cider or Champagne—perfect for elevating your holiday gathering with elegance and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as simple to make as it is delicious, this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe is your new best friend. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a festive treat at home, these squares offer that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and flaky goodness that brings everyone together. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these little bites disappear!
Print
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares are elegant, bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a tangy, sweet cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these golden squares combine the citrusy brightness of orange zest with warm cinnamon spices, all baked to golden perfection and finished with melted butter and optional fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry
Filling
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (plus more for serving)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese wedge, rind removed and cut into 24 cubes
Egg Wash and Finishing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes; if frozen, let it thaw for 30 minutes. This ensures easier handling and rolling.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: Lightly flour a cutting board, unfold one sheet of puff pastry, and roll it into a 9- x 12-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 equal squares (3 across by 4 down). Lightly score a ½-inch border around each square, taking care not to cut through the pastry, to create a frame.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream until smooth; this will be used to brush the pastry edges for a golden finish.
- Arrange Pastry Squares: Place 12 squares on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush the outer edges of each square with the egg wash to promote browning.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble Pastry Squares: Spoon 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of the cranberry mixture into the center of each square. Use the back of the teaspoon to make a small well, then place a cube of Brie cheese into the well. Repeat for all squares.
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the edges with melted salted butter to add richness and shine. Let the squares rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional orange zest and fresh rosemary if desired for an aromatic touch.
Notes
- Allow puff pastry to rest before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure easy shaping.
- Score the pastry border carefully without cutting through to create a raised frame that holds the filling in place.
- Fresh rosemary is optional but adds a lovely fragrant garnish that complements the flavors.
- Use good quality Brie cheese for the best creamy texture and mild flavor.
- These squares can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
