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If you’re on the hunt for the perfect holiday appetizer that looks fancy but is secretly super easy, you’ve just struck gold. These Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists – The Ultimate Holiday Bite are everything we love about seasonal food: buttery, flaky pastry, creamy melted brie, and a festive pop of sweet-tart cranberry. And the best part? They come together in about 20 minutes (yes, really!).
Whether you’re planning Christmas party food appetizers, putting together a cozy holiday charcuterie board, or need some elegant New Year’s Eve appetizers that don’t require hours of effort, these twists are your new go-to. They’re the kind of snack that gets people hovering near the kitchen waiting for the tray to come out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Pastry Twists
- Super Quick – Only a handful of ingredients, minimal prep.
- No Fancy Skills Required – If you can cut and twist, you’re good.
- Perfect for Parties – Works beautifully with Christmas appetizers finger foods, xmas appetizers, or even nye appetizers easy and fun.
- Pretty & Festive – The cranberry and golden pastry are a holiday aesthetic dream.
- Delicious Hot or Warm – No stress if you’re juggling multiple dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these irresistible twists:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 4-6 oz brie cheese (with or without the rind — your choice!)
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a finishing drizzle)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold your puff pastry and roll it out gently to smooth the surface.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry sheet.
- Slice your brie into thin pieces and scatter them evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, pressed closed lightly.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into long strips (about ½ to 1 inch wide).
- Take each strip and twist it several times so the filling shows.
- Lay the twists on your prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with a light egg wash for that glossy golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until beautifully puffed and golden.
- Optional but highly recommended: finish with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of fresh rosemary.
Tips for The Best Pastry Twists
- Keep your pastry cold. Warm pastry becomes sticky and harder to twist.
- Don’t overload the filling. A little goes a long way.
- Use good brie. It really makes a difference in flavor.
- Want extra flakiness? Chill the twists 5–10 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These pastry twists are incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun ways to serve them:
- On a Christmas charcuterie board with nuts, grapes, cured meats, and crackers.
- As part of a festive holiday appetizers easy buffet spread.
- With mulled wine, sparkling cider, or holiday cocktails.
- On New Year’s Eve as elegant new year’s eve appetizers.
They shine anywhere you put them. Truly.
Variations You’ll Want to Try
Once you try these once, you’ll want to experiment. Here are some delicious twists (pun intended):
- Fig Jam + Goat Cheese (elegant and earthy)
- Apricot Jam + White Cheddar (sweet & sharp)
- Pesto + Mozzarella (savory holiday green vibes)
- Raspberry Preserves + Brie (slightly sweeter than cranberry)
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists – The Ultimate Holiday Bite are one of those recipes that you’ll make once and then instantly add to your annual holiday rotation. They’re pretty, festive, ridiculously tasty, and impress your guests without requiring you to spend all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re putting together christmas snacks for party, prepping easy xmas appetizers, or looking to level up your nye appetizers easy menu — this is the recipe you’ll return to again and again.
So go ahead, pour a glass of something bubbly, preheat that oven, and let the holiday magic begin ✨
Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists – The Ultimate Holiday Bite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll out one puff pastry sheet to smooth creases.
- Spread a thin, even layer of cranberry sauce over the sheet.
- Scatter thin strips or cubes of brie over the cranberry layer.
- Sprinkle with chopped thyme or rosemary, if using.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press gently to seal.
- Cut into strips (about 1 inch wide) using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Twist each strip 2–3 times and place on the baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg with water or milk, then brush each twist with the egg wash.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with flaky salt and optional garnishes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Common Questions
Can I Make These Ahead?
Yes! Simply assemble and twist them, then freeze them on a sheet pan. Once frozen, transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen — just add 2-3 minutes to the bake time.
Can I Use Different Cheese?
Absolutely. Camembert or goat cheese work wonderfully.
What Cranberry Sauce Works Best?
Any! Whole berry, jellied, homemade spiced cranberry — all are delicious.
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