Save These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Twists are a showstopper at every holiday get-together and make the easiest savory-sweet treat in minutes. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy Brie, and tangy cranberry sauce creates an irresistible appetizer or snack everyone can nibble while sipping their favorite drink. These twists always disappear within minutes at my gatherings and are my trusted go-to when I want something impressive but effortless.
I first whipped up a batch for a last-minute Friendsgiving and ended up needing to make a second tray on the spot because guests could not stop raving about them. Now my friends ask for them every year.
Ingredients
- Frozen puff pastry sheets: choose an all-butter brand for the best flavor and keep them chilled until ready to use
- Brie cheese: creamy triple-cream varieties melt beautifully and offer mild richness
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: brings sweet tartness and jewel-like color look for sauce with whole berries for texture
- Egg wash: made by whisking one egg with a splash of water helps create a golden glossy finish
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: adds herbal aroma pick vibrant green sprigs and chop just before using for freshness
Instructions
- Thaw and Prepare Puff Pastry:
- Let the sheets thaw in the fridge until just pliable but not soft. Work quickly to keep the dough cold so the pastry becomes flaky when baked.
- Roll and Slice:
- Lightly flour your surface and roll each sheet into a large rectangle about an eighth-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to trim edges for clean lines and cut into even strips about one inch wide.
- Layer Brie and Cranberry:
- Slice the Brie into thin strips or cubes and scatter down the center of half the strips. Spoon cranberry sauce over the cheese and gently pat down so the filling stays put.
- Form and Twist:
- Top each cheese-filled strip with a plain puff pastry strip. Press along the edges to seal lightly. Hold both ends of each strip and twist gently several times to create spirals that trap the filling.
- Brush and Bake:
- Arrange twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each one. Brush all over with egg wash and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Bake in a hot oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes or until the twists puff up and turn deep golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let them cool slightly before transferring onto a serving platter. They are best eaten warm while the Brie is oozy and fresh out of the oven.
Save My all-time favorite part of this recipe is how the Brie melts into the cranberry and turns each bite into a little celebration. The first time my niece helped assemble the twists she could not believe how fancy the results looked with so little effort.
Storage Tips
Place fully cooled twists in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. For best results, re-crisp them in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving again. They also freeze well uncooked and can be baked straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer another cheese swap in camembert or an aged goat cheese for a stronger bite. Raspberry preserves or fig jam are delicious alternatives to cranberry sauce when you want a different fruitiness. If you need a dairy-free treat try a creamy vegan cheese and ready-made gluten-free pastry.
Serving Suggestions
Scatter with toasted chopped pecans or pistachios for crunch. Offer with a little drizzle of honey if you like a sweeter accent. These twists pair perfectly with sparkling wine or mulled cider and truly elevate a cheese or charcuterie board.
Cultural and Seasonal Inspiration
Puff pastry and Brie are a classic French-inspired combination often seen in holiday appetizers. Cranberry adds a North American holiday touch making these twists just right for Thanksgiving or Christmas parties. In the spring I sometimes use orange marmalade and swap the herbs for basil for a lighter twist on the recipe.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap cranberry for fresh cherry or apple preserves in the autumn. Use chopped fresh basil or chives instead of thyme in the summer. Try cranberry-orange preserve during citrus season for extra zing.
Success Stories
Every single time I have made these twists not one has been left on the platter. Friends who claim to hate fruit with cheese always ask for the recipe and kids beg for more. These have officially become my signature potluck contribution.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze shape the twists and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze until solid then transfer to a zip-top bag and keep in the freezer for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen just adding three to five extra minutes to the cook time. This makes last-minute entertaining a breeze.
Save These festive twists always get rave reviews. Serve warm and watch them vanish.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use other cheese besides brie?
Yes, camembert or soft goat cheese works well for a creamy, flavorful filling.
- → Should cranberries be fresh or dried?
Fresh or dried cranberries both add welcome tang; adjust sweetness as preferred.
- → Can puff pastry be made ahead?
You can assemble and chill the twists before baking, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
- → What is the ideal serving temperature?
Warm twists offer the best texture and flavor, but they can be served at room temperature.
- → Are there topping suggestions for extra flavor?
A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice finish to each twist.
- → Can these be frozen for later use?
Freeze before baking, then bake straight from the freezer, adding extra minutes to bake time.