Hey friend, are you hunting for the ultimate christmas appetizers to steal the show at your next gathering? I’ve tried tons of Christmas Party Food Appetizers, but these Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam always outshine the rest. They blend flaky pastry, gooey brie, and tangy jam into bite-sized perfection—perfect for Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or Holiday Party Appetizers. Plus, they look fancy without demanding hours in the kitchen. FYI, these stars have become my go-to for Christmas Eve Appetizers and even a cheeky spot on my Christmas Charcuterie Board. Ever wondered why simple ingredients taste extraordinary together? Stick around—I’ll spill my tips, variations, and serving secrets to make these Xmas Appetizers the talk of the night! 🙂
Table of Contents
Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry: lightly flour your surface and gently roll to smooth out creases until about 1⁄8‑inch thickness.
- Use a medium star cookie cutter (≈2 inches across) to cut 12 stars. Re‑roll scraps once and cut additional stars to get 16‑18 total.
- Place a small brie wedge in the center of half your stars. Then top each with about ½ tsp of cranberry jam.
- Lightly brush the edges of those stars with the egg wash (egg + water). Place a plain star on top of each filled one and gently press around edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush each assembled star generously with the egg wash. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12‑15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. Watch closely so the tips don’t burn.
- Let the stars cool for 2‑3 minutes. Then garnish with chopped rosemary or pecans, if using, and serve warm.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (store-bought works great; homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)
- 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced into small wedges
- ¼ cup cranberry jam (any brand—look for whole-berry texture)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (to mix with egg)
- Optional: chopped fresh rosemary or chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your stars don’t stick and that you get a crisp bottom every time.
- Roll out the puff pastry. Lightly flour your surface and gently roll to smooth out creases. You want an even thickness—about 1/8 inch—for consistent baking.
- Cut star shapes. Use a medium star cookie cutter (about 2 inches across) to cut 12 stars. Re-roll scraps once and cut additional stars to get 16–18 total. Isn’t it satisfying to see those perfect shapes pop out?
- Layer brie and jam. Place a small brie wedge in the center of half your stars. Top each with about ½ tsp of cranberry jam. The contrast between creamy cheese and zesty jam is pure holiday magic.
- Seal with the top star. Lightly brush the edges with egg wash (egg + water). Press another star on top and gently crimp edges with a fork. You’ll lock in all that goodness and avoid messy leaks.
- Brush with egg wash. Paint each assembled star generously. This gives them that gorgeous golden shine—no dull pastries allowed in your Holiday Appetizers Easy lineup.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through for even color. Watch closely; you want a deep golden hue without burning the tips. Pro tip: ovens vary, so start checking at 10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve. Let the stars cool 2–3 minutes, then top with a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or pecans for a festive touch. These bites shine on any Christmas Dinner Appetizers spread.
Variations
Craving a twist? Try these creative takes:
- Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes into the cranberry jam before topping the brie. Perfect for those who love a little heat in their Holiday Party Appetizers.
- Herb Infusion: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the lower star before adding brie and jam. Basil or sun-dried tomato pesto adds an Italian flair—think of it as a mini bruschetta star!
- Savory Swap: Replace the cranberry jam with fig jam or apricot preserves. The natural sweetness balances the brie and gives you a new spin for your Christmas Snacks For Party table.
Serving & Tips
Serve these stars warm for the best gooey brie experience. Offer alongside a festive cheese board or on a tiered platter to impress. If you need to prep ahead, assemble the stars on parchment and refrigerate for up to 4 hours—just add a couple of extra minutes to baking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to revive that crispiness. IMO, pairing these with a glass of Prosecco or mulled wine elevates the vibe. These tasty bites also complement your Christmas Charcuterie Board or can stand alone as quick Holiday Appetizers Easy you nail in minutes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—show-stopping Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam that feel fancy but come together in a flash. I still remember the first time I brought them to a Christmas Eve Appetizers party and watched jaws drop. Who knew store-bought pastry could deliver such a wow moment? Whether you’re curating a Christmas Dinner Appetizers spread or hunting for Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods, these stars have your back. Give them a whirl; I guarantee they’ll become your holiday signature too. Cheers to festive bites and relaxed hosting—because we deserve both! :/
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stars, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes the pastry’s crispiness and warms the brie without turning the jam runny.
Can I freeze these stars?
Yes, freeze unbaked stars on a sheet pan, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes. They’ll still taste freshly made!
What can I serve alongside these appetizers?
These pair beautifully with a light salad, a robust charcuterie board, or a warm soup. Think Holiday Party Appetizers meets cozy winter vibes.
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