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Let’s be real — holiday appetizers can make or break your Christmas spread. And if you’re anything like me, you want something that looks fancy but doesn’t require a culinary degree. That’s where these Mini Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam (Festive Puff Pastry Bites) come in. They’re buttery, flaky, sweet, savory, and totally adorable — all in one bite. Perfect for christmas party food appetizers or your next new year’s eve appetizers platter. Plus, they’re the kind of holiday appetizers easy enough to make while sipping mulled wine and watching “Home Alone.”
These mini stars are little puff pastry miracles — melty Brie tucked inside golden, crisp layers, topped with ruby-red cranberry jam and a sprig of thyme for that “Pinterest-worthy” finish. IMO, they’re the ultimate shortcut to looking like you tried way harder than you did 🙂 Whether you’re hosting a party, joining a potluck, or building a christmas charcuterie board, these bites fit right in. They scream festive without screaming stress. Ready to sparkle at your holiday table? Let’s bake some stars!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed)
- 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 3 tbsp cranberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing touch)
- Flour (for dusting the surface)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this saves you from scrubbing sticky cranberry residue later. Trust me, been there, done that.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter (around 2 inches), cut out as many stars as you can. Re-roll the scraps to get a few extra — no puff pastry left behind!
- Place half of the stars on the prepared baking sheet. Add a small cube of Brie in the center of each star.
- Top with another star, pressing the edges gently to seal. Use a fork if you want those cute crimped edges. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden shine.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the pastry puffs up and turns a deep golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like buttery heaven.
- Cool slightly on a wire rack. Then spoon a tiny dollop of cranberry jam onto each star and garnish with a fresh thyme leaf.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt right before serving for that extra fancy bite. Optional, but game-changing.
Variations
Want to get creative? These Mini Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam (Festive Puff Pastry Bites) are super flexible — here are some fun twists:
- Fig & Walnut: Swap cranberry jam for fig preserves and top with a chopped walnut. Earthy, sweet, and sophisticated — perfect for a christmas appetizers finger foods platter.
- Apple & Cheddar: Replace Brie with sharp white cheddar and use apple butter instead of cranberry jam. It’s like a mini apple pie meets a cheese board.
- Spicy Cranberry: Mix a pinch of chili flakes into your cranberry jam for a subtle kick. Sweet, spicy, and absolutely addictive.
Serving & Tips
Here’s the fun part — serving and showing off your little pastry stars. These bites are gorgeous on a rustic wooden board with rosemary sprigs and twinkling fairy lights (because why not?). Add them to a christmas charcuterie board surrounded by cheeses, nuts, and grapes. The contrast of textures and colors? Chef’s kiss.
For parties, serve them warm or at room temp — they hold up beautifully. If you’re prepping ahead, bake them earlier in the day and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. Storage-wise, keep leftovers (if you somehow have any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to crisp them back up.
BTW, these stars make excellent gifts! Pop a few in a little box tied with a red ribbon — way better than another store-bought cookie tin. 😉 And if you’re making xmas appetizers for a crowd, double the batch. They disappear faster than you can say “holiday magic.”
Why These Mini Brie Stars Steal the Show
Ever noticed how the simplest ideas often become the biggest hits? That’s these little guys. They’re the perfect combo of effort vs. reward — minimal work, maximum wow factor. You don’t even need to be a confident baker. Puff pastry does all the heavy lifting. You just cut, fill, and bake. Easy.
And let’s not ignore the aesthetic — golden stars with glossy cranberry centers look straight out of a holiday magazine. They make your christmas snacks for party spread look instantly elevated. Plus, you can make them in any shape — hearts for Valentine’s, pumpkins for fall, trees for Christmas. Same recipe, endless possibilities.
Oh, and did I mention they taste like heaven? The creamy Brie melts into the flaky pastry, and the cranberry jam adds that tangy pop that balances everything. Add a touch of thyme, and boom — flavor perfection.
Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
Hosting during the holidays can feel like juggling ornaments while blindfolded. So here are a few life-saving hacks that’ll keep your sanity intact:
- Plan ahead: Cut and prep your puff pastry stars the night before. Store them flat in the fridge, layered with parchment paper.
- Use mini muffin tins: If you don’t have a cookie cutter, press small pastry squares into a mini muffin pan — you’ll get bite-sized puff cups perfect for nye appetizers easy serving.
- Batch bake: These stars bake fast, but doubling the recipe means you’ll have enough for the whole party without panic-baking mid-toast.
- Set the mood: Serve with a cranberry spritz or mulled wine, light a candle, and watch guests devour your “fancy” homemade creations.
Pairing Ideas
If you’re building a full spread, here’s how to make your christmas party food appetizers feel cohesive:
- Sweet + Savory Balance: Pair these stars with something salty like prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks or herbed goat cheese crostini.
- Texture Variety: Add crunchy nuts, soft cheeses, and crispy crackers to your holiday appetizers easy table.
- Color Contrast: Mix reds (cranberries, pomegranates) with greens (thyme, rosemary) for that classic holiday palette that looks gorgeous on camera.
And if you’re a Pinterest person (guilty 🙋♀️), these look incredible in flat lays. Natural light, wooden board, maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar “snow” — instant viral pin.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Mini Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam (Festive Puff Pastry Bites) prove that you don’t need to overcomplicate holiday food to impress. Sometimes, all it takes is a few quality ingredients, a bit of creativity, and a sprinkle of good vibes. Every bite is buttery, creamy, tangy, and full of cheer — like the holidays themselves.
Whether you’re serving these alongside cocktails, as part of your christmas appetizers finger foods spread, or gifting them to friends, one thing’s for sure — they’ll shine bright (literally and figuratively). Now go preheat that oven and make your kitchen smell like joy. You’ve got this. 🎄✨
Mini Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry just enough to smooth it.
- Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many stars as possible from the pastry. Place them on the baking tray, leaving space between.
- Cut the brie into small 1 cm cubes and place one cube in the center of each star.
- Spoon a small dab of cranberry jam on top of each brie cube.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle with thyme or rosemary if using.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make Mini Brie Stars ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours ahead, store in the fridge, and bake right before serving. Or bake them early, reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes to crisp back up.
What can I use instead of Brie?
Try Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese. Each gives a slightly different vibe, but all melt beautifully into the puff pastry layers.
Can I freeze these puff pastry bites?
Absolutely. Freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 18–20 minutes — perfect for last-minute christmas snacks for party prep.
What drinks go well with these appetizers?
These stars pair perfectly with sparkling wine, rosé, or a festive cranberry cocktail. For non-alcoholic options, try spiced apple cider or cranberry spritzers.
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