Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds — Ultimate Christmas Appetizer That Steals the Show

If you’re on the hunt for the most **delicious christmas appetizers** to wow your friends and family this season, you just hit the jackpot. I first whipped up these Cranberry Pistachio Baked Brie Rounds at a family Christmas Eve Appetizers potluck, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than Santa’s cookies 🙂 . These little beauties combine creamy, melty brie with crunchy pistachios and tart cranberries, all tucked into flaky pastry. Ever wondered why this combo works so well? The sweet-tart cranberries cut through the rich cheese, and the nuts add just the right crunch.

Whether you’re curating a show-stopping Christmas Charcuterie Board or hunting for easy Holiday Appetizers Easy ideas, these rounds have your back. They’re perfect for Christmas Party Food Appetizers, Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, or even munching on as Christmas Snacks For Party set-up while you drink hot cocoa.

In this friendly guide, I’ll walk you through every step, share personal tips, and toss in a bit of humor (and FYI, no judgment if you grab a second round before guests arrive). Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese, chilled
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• ½ cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or Holiday Seasoning mix)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prep the Brie: Slice the brie wheel into 8 even rounds —each about ¾ inch thick. Pat them dry if they feel damp.
3. Roll the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to roughly 12×12 inches. Cut into eight 4×4-inch squares.
4. Assemble: Place a brie round in the center of each pastry square. Spoon about a teaspoon of chopped cranberries on top. Sprinkle with pistachios, thyme, a pinch of salt, and a crack of pepper.
5. Fold & Seal: Bring the corners of each pastry square up over the brie and pinch gently to seal. Brush each bundle with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake: Arrange the rounds on your baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
7. Finish: Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Drizzle each round with honey for that extra holiday sparkle.
8. Serve Warm: Transfer to a platter. Watch them vanish—seriously, it’s faster than a snowball fight.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try one of these tasty twists:

• Fig Jam & Walnut: Swap cranberries for a spoonful of fig jam and pistachios for toasted walnuts. It’s a slightly sweeter, earthier riff.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drop of sriracha to the topping for a Holiday Party Appetizers that packs a punch.
• Apple & Rosemary: Use thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and a small sprig of rosemary—hello, Christmas Dinner Appetizers upgrade.

Serving & Tips

Serving Ideas: Arrange your baked brie rounds on a large board surrounded by crackers, sliced baguette, cured meats, and fresh fruit. Think of it as an Xmas Appetizers extravaganza—everyone loves a Christmas Charcuterie Board vibe.

Storage: If you have leftovers (highly unlikely, but let’s pretend), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore that ooey-gooey goodness.

Pro Tip: Warm your serving platter slightly before plating. It keeps the cheese melty longer, which is key for those slow-poke guests who take forever to decide on a snack. 🙄

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my all-time favorite christmas appetizers finger foods hack that never disappoints. I still remember the first time I served these at my buddy’s ugly sweater party. The way jaws dropped and forks darted in? Priceless. IMO, nothing beats the combo of creamy cheese, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts when it comes to holiday treats.

Next time you need quick, crowd-pleasing Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for a last-minute party, give these baked brie rounds a go. They’re festive, fancy, and frankly, pretty hard not to love. Cheers to stress-free entertaining and insanely good snacks!

FAQs

Can I prepare these brie rounds in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble them up to 4 hours before baking and store covered in the fridge. Just brush on the egg wash right before you pop them in the oven.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

If you’re avoiding puff pastry, try phyllo dough sheets—multiple layers brushed with butter. The texture differs, but you’ll still get that crisp-and-creamy magic.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Pat the brie dry before assembling and avoid overloading with fruit juice. Baking on a lined sheet with good airflow helps too.

Is there a gluten-free option?

You bet. Use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry or a simple gluten-free biscuit dough. The flavors stay phenomenal.

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