Ever wondered why some recipes just scream festive joy? I sure did last Christmas when I realized my pantry looked like a sad sock drawer. I needed christmas appetizers that hit the sweet spot between effortless and impressive. Enter these Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam—seriously, these bites turned my living room into a gourmet Christmas Party Food Appetizers showcase IMO :). Smooth brie, flaky pastry, and tangy jam combine into the best Holiday Appetizers Easy recipe you’ll bookmark for years. No more mad scrambling at the last minute or awkwardly roasting nuts in the oven. Did I mention they pair beautifully with a Christmas Charcuterie Board or serve as Xmas Appetizers with minimal effort? Plus, they function brilliantly as Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, Christmas Dinner Appetizers, and Christmas Eve Appetizers. And let’s be real: who doesn’t love Christmas Snacks For Party that look like they took way longer to make than they actually did? I whipped these up in under 15 minutes, barely left any mess, and got raves from everyone. FYI, you can make these ahead and just pop them in when guests arrive. Your future self will thank you when you pull these golden stars from the oven and watch your guests swoon. Ready to add a little star power to your next event?
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
- 4 oz (115g) brie cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry jam or sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or crushed pecans (for topping)
- Flour, for dusting work surface
- Fresh cranberries or orange zest, for garnish
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This setup helps you batch-prepare Holiday Party Appetizers without rewriting your oven rules each time.
- Roll out pastry: Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Unfold the thawed puff pastry and roll it into a 12×12–inch square. If the edges crack, pinch them together—no stress, these are rustic Xmas Appetizers after all.
- Cut star shapes: Use a 2½–inch star cookie cutter to stamp out about 16 stars. Re-roll the scraps once or twice to maximize yield—waste not, want not when planning Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties.
- Slice and layer brie: Place half of the stars on your baking sheets. Top each with a slice of brie, making sure the cheese sits neatly in the star’s center. Ever tried this? It looks fancy but really isn’t rocket science.
- Add cranberry jam: Dollop about 1 teaspoon of cranberry jam onto each brie layer. Spread gently so the jam doesn’t flood the edges. This step transforms ordinary bites into show-stopping christmas appetizers.
- Top with pastry stars: Place the remaining pastry stars on top, aligning points for maximum dazzle. Press edges gently to seal. If you press too hard, you’ll flatten the star effect—tread lightly.
- Brush on egg wash: Combine the beaten egg with a splash of water, then brush each star’s surface. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or crushed pecans for that extra crunch and sparkle. Trust me, your guests will notice the difference.
- Bake to golden perfection: Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the stars puff up and turn golden brown. Rotate trays halfway through for even baking. Who knew pastry could be this fun?
- Rest and garnish: Let the stars cool for 3–5 minutes on the sheet so the cheese sets slightly. Top with fresh cranberries or a pinch of orange zest for color and brightness.
- Serve warm: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately. These make an ideal addition to any Holiday Party Appetizers spread, a standout at cocktail hours, or the crown jewel of your Christmas Dinner Appetizers.
Variations
1. Fig & Prosciutto Twist: Swap cranberry jam for fig jam and layer a thin strip of prosciutto under the brie. The sweet-savory combo kicks these stars up a notch. A sprinkle of chopped thyme adds herbal depth and elevates them to next-level Christmas Charcuterie Board fare.
2. Nutty Honey Drizzle: After baking, drizzle warm honey over the stars and top with crushed walnuts. This variation delivers a richer texture and a hint of caramelized sweetness. If you love experimenting, a dash of cinnamon in the honey works wonders for cozy winter vibes.
3. Herb & Citrus Zing: Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme directly into the beaten egg wash. Finish with a light dusting of lemon or orange zest once out of the oven. This subtle freshness transforms simple bites into memorable Holiday Appetizers Easy hits that guests will be buzzing about.
Serving & Tips
Serve these Puff Pastry Brie Stars alongside a selection of olives, nuts, and cold cuts for a full-blown Christmas Charcuterie Board that wows without the fuss. For a truly effortless spread, arrange them on tiered platters—height always catches the eye. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain their crisp. If you’re wondering about make-ahead tricks, you can assemble them, freeze on the baking sheet, then bake straight from frozen—perfect for last-minute Christmas Eve Appetizers. Looking for more variety? Pair with hot mulled cider or your favorite white wine. And remember, presentation counts: scatter rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds around the platter to heighten that festive feel. These bites shine at any gathering, from cozy family evenings to boisterous holiday office parties.
Final Thoughts
I still smile when I think back to my first attempt at these stars—my cousin declared it “the official starter of holiday joy.” Whether you’re a seasoned party host or someone who just discovered puff pastry, this recipe delivers every time. It ticks all the boxes: quick prep, minimal cleanup, and a flavor combo that feels both classic and fresh. Use this as your go-to for Christmas Party Food Appetizers or stash the recipe for when you need a guilt-free cheese moment. Here’s to effortless hosting, starry bites, and creating memories—one golden pastry at a time!
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stars up to 24 hours in advance, cover them tightly, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready, brush on the egg wash and bake as directed for fresh-from-the-oven results.
What if I don’t have cranberry jam?
No jam? No problem. You can substitute fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a thin layer of honey with a sprinkle of sea salt. Each swap gives a unique flavor profile while maintaining that sweet-tangy zing.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. These stars contain no meat, and you can easily adjust to vegan by using dairy-free pastry and brie alternatives. Just be sure your jam and any additional toppings are vegan-friendly too.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. They’ll almost taste as good as freshly baked!
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