If you are searching for a bite-sized delight that perfectly balances tartness, creamy richness, and flaky buttery layers, then look no further than this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe. These elegant little squares combine the sweet zing of cranberry sauce with the decadent smoothness of melted Brie, all wrapped up in golden, crisp puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a special appetizer, or just craving something extraordinary yet simple, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is as charming as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery puff pastry to the bright aromatic orange zest, every component is essential in bringing this recipe to life.
- 2 sheets puff pastry: The golden, flaky base that holds everything together and gives a perfect crisp bite.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with creamy Brie.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (plus more for serving): Brings fresh citrus notes that brighten the dish.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: Enhances the cranberry sauce’s natural tartness with a touch of sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces a warm spice that complements the fruitiness.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and heightens the overall taste experience.
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese wedge, rind removed and cut into 24 cubes: The star creamy element that melts irresistibly in the baker’s heat.
- 1 large egg: Used to make the egg wash that gives the pastry a rich golden shine.
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream: Lightens the egg wash for a smooth finish on the pastry.
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter: Brushed on after baking to add final richness and sheen.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): Adds an herbal fragrance and makes the presentation extra special.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the squares bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfectly crisp pastry every time.
Step 2: Thaw and Roll Out Puff Pastry
Let your puff pastry sheets rest at room temperature enough to soften—5 minutes for refrigerated or about 30 for frozen ones. Lightly flour a cutting board and gently roll out one sheet into a 9- x 12-inch rectangle, giving you the best foundation for uniform squares.
Step 3: Cut and Score the Puff Pastry
Carefully slice the pastry into 12 squares: 3 across the short side and 4 across the long side. Using a knife, score a half-inch frame around the edges of each square without cutting all the way through. This little border will puff up beautifully, creating a perfect pocket for the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk together one large egg with a tablespoon of heavy cream until smooth. Brushing this wash on your pastry edges will give the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe that irresistible golden and glossy finish.
Step 5: Assemble the Squares
Place the squares evenly spaced on your baking sheets and brush the edges with the egg wash. Mix cranberry sauce with orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl to make a flavorful filling. Spoon 1 to 1½ teaspoons of this mixture into the well of each square, then nestle a cube of Brie right in the center. Repeat with all squares, making sure each one has that perfect balance of fruit and cheese.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Bake the squares for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and puffed. Once out of the oven, brush the edges with melted butter to add extra shine and richness. Let them rest briefly, then serve sprinkled with fresh orange zest and optional rosemary for an elegant touch.
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright orange zest on top really awakens the senses and contrasts the cheese’s creaminess. A little fresh rosemary or thyme not only adds a lovely aroma but also visually boosts the presentation — perfect if you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
These bites shine on their own but also complement a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a cup of warm, spiced apple cider. If you’re serving a larger meal, these puff pastry squares make an irresistible appetizer while keeping the menu festive and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Turning this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe into a stunning appetizer platter is a breeze. Arrange them on a wooden board with clustered fresh herbs, small bowls of extra cranberry sauce for dipping, or sprinkle pine nuts for extra crunch. Even stacking them on tiered platters adds a wow factor at any holiday party or casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply store the cooled squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a perfect next-day snack or addition to lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked puff pastry squares by assembling them and placing on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen at the same temperature, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you always have a quick elegant appetizer on hand!
Reheating
To revive the crispy texture and full flavor, reheat these squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and melt the Brie unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberry sauce works perfectly and often has a more intense flavor, which pairs wonderfully with Brie and puff pastry.
Is it necessary to remove the Brie rind?
Removing the rind helps the cheese melt more evenly and gives a smoother texture, but it’s optional if you don’t mind a slight firmness or extra flavor from the rind.
Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan puff pastry and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
Why do I need to score the border on the squares?
The scoring creates a raised edge on the pastry that holds the filling nicely and adds a lovely visual frame to each square.
Can other types of cheese be used instead of Brie?
Sure! Creamy cheeses like Camembert or a mild goat cheese work well, but Brie’s buttery richness is uniquely perfect for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is just something magical about the Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe that makes every bite feel festive and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking for an impressive dish, these squares are a delightful treat worth trying. So why wait? Pull out that puff pastry and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of baked Brie and cranberries. Your friends and family will thank you.
Print
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Squares are an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce infused with orange zest, cinnamon, and a hint of sugar, then topped with creamy Brie cheese. Baked to golden perfection and finished with melted butter and fresh rosemary, these bite-sized squares offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry
Filling
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (plus more for serving)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese wedge, rind removed and cut into 24 cubes
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Thaw puff pastry: If using refrigerated puff pastry, allow it to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. If frozen, let it rest for 30 minutes until it’s pliable enough to work with.
- Roll puff pastry: Lightly dust a cutting board with flour and unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a 9- by 12-inch rectangle to get an even thickness.
- Cut puff pastry into squares: Cut the rectangle into 12 squares (3 across the 9-inch side and 4 across the 12-inch side). Lightly score a ½-inch border around the edges of each square without cutting all the way through, creating a framed area for the filling.
- Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy whipping cream until smooth and well combined. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden hue during baking.
- Arrange and brush pastry squares: Place 12 pastry squares on each lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush the outer edges of each square with the egg wash to help them brown nicely.
- Make cranberry filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors and add depth.
- Fill pastry squares: Spoon 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the cranberry mixture into the center of each square. Use the back of the spoon to create a small well in the sauce, then nestle a cube of Brie cheese directly into the well. Repeat for all pastry squares.
- Bake: Bake the trays for 16-18 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, and the cheese has melted.
- Finish and serve: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the edges of each square with the melted salted butter for added richness and gloss. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra orange zest and fresh rosemary if desired for aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut through the puff pastry border when scoring the squares to help contain the filling while baking.
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can omit it or substitute with thyme for a different aroma.
- Use good quality Brie for best creamy texture and flavor.
- These squares are best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Freeze unbaked puff pastry squares for up to a month; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
