Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry

I made these one December afternoon when unexpected guests called to say they were stopping by in an hour. The oven was cold, the table bare, and I had only frozen puff pastry, half a wheel of Brie, and a jar of cranberry sauce. Twenty minutes later, golden parcels were cooling on the counter, filling the kitchen with butter and herbs.

My sister borrowed this recipe for a New Years party and texted me at midnight to say three people had asked for the recipe. She admitted she told them it was complicated. I never corrected her.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry: Use the ready-rolled kind to save time, and let it sit at room temperature for five minutes so it doesnt crack when you fold it.
• Brie cheese: Cut it into small chunks while its cold from the fridge, it gets too soft and sticky if you wait.
• Cranberry sauce: Homemade is lovely, but the canned stuff works beautifully and no one will know the difference.
• Egg: The wash gives that glossy bakery finish, dont skip it even if youre tempted.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme: A little green makes them look intentional, and the scent while baking is worth it.
• Walnuts or pecans: Optional, but they add a quiet crunch that balances the creamy cheese.

Instructions

Prepare your station:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment. This is the kind of recipe that moves quickly once you start folding.

Cut the pastry:

Unroll the sheet and slice it into eight even squares. A pizza cutter works better than a knife here.

Fill each square:

Drop a piece of Brie in the center, then a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. If youre using herbs or nuts, sprinkle them now.

Fold and seal:

Bring the four corners toward the middle and pinch them together like youre wrapping a tiny gift. Press the seams gently so they dont spring open in the oven.

Egg wash and bake:

Flip each parcel seam-side down on the tray, brush the tops with beaten egg, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden. Let them rest for five minutes before serving, the cheese inside is molten.

Save

The first time I served these, someone asked if Id ordered them from a caterer. I didnt answer right away, just smiled and offered another.

How to Get Ahead

You can assemble the parcels completely, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to six hours before baking. Brush with egg wash just before they go in the oven. If youre freezing them, bake straight from frozen and add three or four extra minutes.

Flavor Variations

Swap cranberry for fig jam and add a few crumbles of blue cheese for something richer. Raspberry preserves with a tiny drizzle of honey turns them almost dessert-like. I once used apricot jam and thyme when I ran out of cranberry, and no one complained.

Serving Suggestions

These work as a passed appetizer, part of a cheese board, or even alongside a bowl of winter greens dressed with vinaigrette. Theyre best eaten warm, but room temperature is fine if youre setting out a spread.

• Pair with a dry sparkling wine or a light Pinot Noir.
• Set out small napkins, theyre flaky and people will need them.
• If you have leftovers, reheat them in a 180°C oven for eight minutes to crisp the pastry again.

Save

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you planned ahead, even when you absolutely didnt. Keep puff pastry in the freezer and youll always have something worth serving.

Questions & Answers

→ What is the best type of cheese to use?

Brie cheese provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with tart cranberry sauce.

→ Can I prepare the puff pastry parcels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and keep refrigerated before baking to maintain freshness and ease of serving.

→ Are there alternative fillings that work well?

Raspberry or fig jam can be substituted for cranberry sauce for a different fruity twist.

→ How do I achieve a golden, flaky pastry crust?

Brushing the puff pastry with beaten egg before baking ensures a glossy, golden finish and enhances flakiness.

→ Can this dish accommodate dietary restrictions?

This version is vegetarian but contains dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts; adjust ingredients accordingly for specific diets.