Looking for show-stopping christmas appetizers that feel fancy but don’t require a culinary degree? You’re in the right place! I first whipped up these Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists at my annual Holiday Party, and they vanished faster than you can say “Santa’s here.” If you need easy yet elegant Christmas Party Food Appetizers or Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, these twists hit the sweet-and-savory jackpot. Ever wondered why simple recipes often turn out bland? This one combines gooey brie, tart cranberry sauce, and flaky puff pastry to create a bite that’s anything but basic.
These Holiday Party Appetizers earned me compliments from my most picky food critic (my cousin who only eats pizza). Whether you’re planning Christmas Dinner Appetizers, stocking a Christmas Charcuterie Board, or just want Holiday Appetizers Easy enough to throw together during Christmas Eve Appetizers hour, this recipe has your back. FYI, you can even call them Xmas Appetizers when you want to sound extra festive 🙂 Ready to impress your guests and score major holiday cheer? Let’s do this!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure the rack sits in the center for even cooking.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases. You want an even rectangle.
- Spread **cranberry sauce** evenly over half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. This tart layer balances the creamy brie perfectly.
- Arrange the **brie slices** on top of the cranberry sauce. Don’t cram them together—space them out so every twist gets that melty goodness.
- Sprinkle **orange zest** and **chopped rosemary** over the brie. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of cozy spice.
- Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling. Press the edges lightly to seal. No one wants filling leaking all over the oven, trust me.
- Slice the sealed pastry into 12 even strips. Twist each strip several times and place them on your prepared baking sheet. They’ll puff up and look like little festive scrolls.
- Brush every twist with the beaten egg wash. This gives them a golden, glossy finish—totally Instagram-worthy.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary and burnt twists = sad party host.
- Let the twists cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. These are best served warm, so the brie stays oozy. Who doesn’t love that?
Variations
Mix things up with these creative twists on the classic recipe:
- Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato: Swap cranberry sauce for pesto and layer in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. A savory twist that shines on any Christmas Charcuterie Board.
- Pumpkin Spice & Honey: Spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree, sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, and drizzle honey for a sweet Autumn-to-Winter mashup.
- Blue Cheese & Fig Jam: Replace brie with blue cheese and use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce. This one’s perfect if you love bold flavors at your Christmas Dinner Appetizers spread.
Serving & Tips
Serve these twists hot alongside your favorite drinks—sparkling cider, mulled wine, or even a classic pinot. They pair beautifully with a Christmas Charcuterie Board loaded with meats, cheeses, and fruits. Looking for Christmas Snacks For Party? Pop them on a tiered stand so guests can grab and go.
To keep them fresh, stash leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze fully baked, cooled twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp—it’s basically like magic.
Want to prep ahead? Assemble the twists, cover the tray with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. That way, you get to enjoy mingling instead of frantic last-minute cooking. Weekend brunch? These work anytime you crave bite-sized holiday vibes.
Final Thoughts
In my IMO, these Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists steal the show among all Xmas Appetizers. They hit all the right notes—sweet, savory, flaky—and make you look like a pro with minimal effort. I still remember my first holiday gathering when my roommate devoured six in one sitting (no shame). If you need a crowd-pleasing starter or just a reason to bake something fun, give these twists a whirl. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe before the night ends.
Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet or dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly over half of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer Brie slices on top of the cranberry sauce for full coverage.
- Fold the unfilled half over the toppings, press edges to seal. Sprinkle rosemary, pecans, orange zest, salt, and pepper.
- Slice into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip gently 2–3 times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk egg with water and brush each twist. Dust with powdered sugar.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
How far in advance can I prep these twists?
You can assemble the twists up to 6 hours before baking. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Right before guests arrive, just pull them out, apply the egg wash, and pop them in the oven. Easy peasy!
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and energy, homemade puff pastry adds incredible flakiness. Just roll your dough to the same thickness as store-bought. The rest of the steps stay exactly the same—no rule against feeling extra fancy.
Are these suitable for Christmas Eve Appetizers or Christmas Dinner Appetizers?
Yes! These twists shine both on Christmas Eve Appetizers tables and as Christmas Dinner Appetizers. They’re versatile enough to open the meal or complement a full spread. And they look gorgeous on holiday platters, FYI.
Can I freeze the unbaked or baked twists?
You can freeze both versions. For unbaked twists, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes. For baked twists, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes—crispy again!
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