Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam – Festive Christmas Appetizers Everyone Will Love

Ever thrown a holiday shindig and ended up serving the same tired veggie tray? I’ve been there—and trust me, you deserve better than that sad pile of carrots. Meet Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam, the showstoppers that rescue any spread. As someone obsessed with easy christmas appetizers, I whipped these up last Christmas Eve when my oven nearly went on strike—spoiler: it worked out beautifully 🙂 Your ultimate guide to effortless christmas appetizers starts right here. I still remember the look on my buddy’s face when he bit into that first star—total bliss.
Imagine golden, flaky puff pastry hugging creamy brie, crowned with a sweet-tart cranberry hit. It sounds fancy, but FYI, you’ll rely on store-bought pastry—no baking school required. Ever wondered why simple bites sometimes outshine elaborate dishes? It’s all about contrasts: sweet meets savory, crisp meets creamy, season meets style. Holiday Party Appetizers never felt this indulgent.
Whether you’re curating a Christmas Charcuterie Board or hunting for Xmas Appetizers that steal the spotlight, these stars deliver. They slot in perfectly alongside your other Christmas Dinner Appetizers or on a table piled high with Christmas Snacks For Party essentials. And hey, if you’re on the lookout for Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, consider your quest over.
I’ll guide you through each step—no fancy gear, no stress. Ready to impress your crew with minimal effort? Let’s get started.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 8 oz brie cheese wheel
• 1/2 cup cranberry jam
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
• Flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a rack in the center and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any crease lines and reach about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter (2.5–3 inches), cut out an even number of stars. You need two stars per bite—plan for how many guests you expect.
4. Slice the brie into thin wedges or small cubes. The pieces must sit comfortably within the pastry without spilling over.
5. Lay half of the star shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Place a piece of brie in the center of each.
6. Add about 1 tsp of cranberry jam on top of the brie. For an aromatic twist, sprinkle a bit of orange zest over the jam.
7. Top with the remaining star shapes. Press the edges gently to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the sides if you’re feeling fancy.
8. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar if you like a sweet crunch.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the pastry puffs up and turns golden brown. Plus, these bites qualify as Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods, so guests can grab and munch away while mingling. Keep an eye on them—puff pastry can go from dreamy to dark brown in seconds.
10. Let them cool on the sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step avoids soggy bottoms and keeps your stars crisp.

Variations

Variation 1: Swap the cranberry jam for fig jam and top with a sliver of prosciutto for a sweet-savory twist. Variation 2: Use goat cheese instead of brie, sprinkled with finely chopped walnuts and drizzled with honey. Variation 3: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the egg wash before baking for extra holiday spice flair.

Serving & Tips

Serve these stars warm on a platter alongside other Holiday Appetizers Easy options like mini quiches or stuffed mushrooms. They shine on a Christmas Charcuterie Board, nestled next to cured meats, olives, and cheese cubes. To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. For an extra cozy vibe, garnish with fresh thyme and tuck a cinnamon stick on the side—your guests will think you slaved away for hours.

Final Thoughts

I love how these Puff Pastry Brie Stars bring a touch of elegance without the stress. Remember the first time I made them? I called my mom mid-bake, bragging about how easy they were—she wanted the recipe immediately. Whether you’re tackling Christmas Eve Appetizers or hunting for last-minute Xmas Appetizers, these stars make everything merrier. Enjoy the crunch, the creaminess, and the festive cheer in every bite!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stars and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just pull them out to reach room temp for 10 minutes so the pastry bakes evenly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled stars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven crisp again.

Can I use gluten-free puff pastry?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free puff pastry sheet and follow the same steps. Just keep an eye on bake times, as some brands brown faster.

What are good dip or pairing suggestions?

These stars pair well with Holiday Party Appetizers like mustard dip, whipped herbed cream cheese, or even a side of pickled veggies. IMO, a simple Dijon mustard or a honey-cheese dip kicks things up a notch.

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