Hey there, snack lover! Ready to up your Christmas Party Food Appetizers game with minimal fuss and maximum “wow”? I’ve got you covered with these **Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists**—a stellar addition to your lineup of christmas appetizers this season. Ever wondered why these little bites always vanish first at my holiday shindigs? It’s the irresistible combo of flaky puff pastry, creamy Brie, and tangy cranberry sauce that makes them a must-have on any Holiday Party Appetizers spread. IMO, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. FYI, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, which means you’ll actually have time to mingle instead of babysitting the oven. 🙂
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 6 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and thinly sliced
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (minced)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- Zest of half an orange
- Cooking spray or extra flour (for prep)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet or dust it with flour so your twists won’t stick.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it into a 10×12-inch rectangle, keeping the layers intact for extra flakiness.
- Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over half the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. The juicy sweetness of the sauce gives these twists their signature pop.
- Layer the thin slices of Brie cheese on top of the cranberry spread. Aim for full coverage—nobody wants a dry bite.
- Fold the unfilled half of pastry over the Brie and cranberry. Press the edges gently to seal. Sprinkle the minced rosemary, pecans, orange zest, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Slice the filled pastry into 1-inch strips. Grab each strip at both ends and give it two or three gentle twists. Place each twist on the prepared sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush each twist to ensure a glossy, golden finish. Then, dust lightly with powdered sugar for that festive sparkle.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and turns a deep golden brown. Let the twists cool for 5 minutes before serving so the Brie firms up just enough to avoid any melty mess.
Variations
If you crave a twist on these holiday bites, try these creative spins. Swap the cranberry sauce for tangy raspberry jam and add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet-spicy kick. For an upscale Xmas Appetizers vibe, replace Brie with smoked Gouda and sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds on top after baking. Hosting a Christmas Charcuterie Board? Cut these twists into mini sizes, arrange them alongside cured meats and olives, and watch your guests swoon. Each variation keeps the core technique but gives you fresh flavors that fit any Holiday Appetizers Easy theme.
Serving & Tips
Serve these Cranberry Brie Pastry Twists on a large wooden board for that cozy Christmas Eve Appetizers feel. Pair them with mulled wine or sparkling cider to complement the sweet-and-savory dance in every bite. If you prep ahead, assemble the twists and store them on a parchment-lined tray in the fridge for up to 12 hours—then bake just before your guests arrive. Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2–3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to revive the flakiness. These little gems double as fantastic Christmas Dinner Appetizers or impromptu Christmas Snacks For Party recovery the next day.
Final Thoughts
I love how these twists capture the festive spirit without requiring master chef skills—perfect for busy hosts who want holiday magic without the meltdown. Every time I make them, I flash back to my first Christmas Eve party, where these bites stole the show (and plate space!). Whether you’re anchored in tradition or leaning into trendy Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods, these pastry twists fit right in. So go ahead, make a batch, and share the joy (and maybe a little sarcasm when people ask, “Where’d you get these?” 😉). Happy baking and happy holidays!
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
Can I prep these twists a day ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble your pastry twists on a parchment-lined sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and follow the instructions—no extra prep needed.
What if I don’t have Brie?
You can swap Brie for Camembert, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar if you’re feeling adventurous. Just slice it thinly so it melts evenly without turning your plate into a gooey blur.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. They regain that fresh-baked crispiness—trust me, guests won’t guess they’re not fresh out of the oven.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free puff pastry and confirm your fillings are GF-friendly. The method stays the same, and you’ll still end up with flaky, tangy-delicious twists that everyone can enjoy.
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