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Craving easy, crowd-pleasing christmas appetizers? I’ve been there. Last holiday season, I whipped up these Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam for my family’s Christmas Party Food Appetizers spread, and they disappeared in minutes. These little star-shaped bites earned me bragging rights—no stress, maximum taste. With flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and bright cranberry jam, they hit all the right notes.
Ever wondered why puff pastry and cheese make such a dreamy duo? IMO, it’s the flaky layers meeting gooey goodness. These stars double as Xmas Appetizers or elegant Holiday Party Appetizers, fitting right in on a Christmas Charcuterie Board or as standalone Christmas Snacks For Party guests will devour.
FYI, these also qualify as Christmas Dinner Appetizers or quick Holiday Appetizers Easy enough for busy hosts juggling twelve side dishes. I remember my first trial run—I underbaked one batch (oops!) and ended up with a cheese explosion. Lesson learned: stick to the timer, my friend. And as one of the top Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods, they rock any Christmas Eve Appetizers tray.
Plus, as one of the easiest christmas appetizers, they earn major points for minimal effort. Sprinkling chopped rosemary or a pinch of cinnamon sugar gives them a personal twist. Trust me, once you see those golden stars arranged on a platter, you’ll feel like a holiday wizard 🙂
Why These Puff Pastry Brie Stars Are Perfect Christmas Appetizers
Ever noticed how the simplest ingredients become stars at Christmas parties? These puff pastry stars might just steal the show. They bridge the gap between fancy and effortless—perfect for anyone hunting fun Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or building a show-stopping Christmas Charcuterie Board.
The Flaky Hero: Puff Pastry
Puff pastry brings that signature lift and crispiness without demanding master-level skills. Most grocery stores stock thaw-and-bake sheets, so you skip all the butter-folding drama. I keep a box in my freezer year-round for spontaneous hosting—game changer!
The Creamy Charm of Brie
Brie cheese delivers a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth center that contrasts beautifully with the pastry’s crunch. You don’t need a fancy cheese shop; standard brie from the supermarket works wonders. Guests always remark on the gooey surprise when they bite in.
Cranberry Jam: A Holiday Staple
Cranberry jam adds that bright, tangy note that ties everything together. It injects a pop of color and festive flavor without extra fuss. Plus, homemade or store-bought jam both work—choose whichever saves you time.
Pairing Ideas for a Memorable Holiday Spread
Who doesn’t love a coordinated appetizer lineup? These brie stars complement all kinds of Holiday Party Appetizers and make any Christmas Snacks For Party table look professional. Here’s how I often serve them:
- Lay them alongside a Christmas Charcuterie Board loaded with cured meats, olives, and cheeses.
- Pair with mulled wine, spiced apple cider, or a crisp Prosecco for a festive toast.
- Mix in hot bites like mini quiches or meatballs to balance temperatures and textures.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds for a pop of green and red.
Trust me, your guests will appreciate the variety—and you’ll score major hostess points.
Planning Your Xmas Appetizer Spread
Planning a killer lineup of Christmas Party Food Appetizers can feel overwhelming, but I’ve got you. First, estimate 3–4 pieces per person for a 2-hour cocktail party. If you build a balanced spread of cold and hot items, no one ends up hangry.
Think about flow: arrange Xmas Appetizers in stations so people can mingle. Keep some items under heat lamps or a warming tray, and place chilled bites—like prosciutto-wrapped melon—at the cool end of the buffet.
I always prep what I can the day before. Cut pastry shapes, slice the brie, and portion the jam into small bowls. On the big day, assembly takes less than 15 minutes, leaving me free to enjoy the party rather than hide in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 (9×9-inch) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced ¼-inch thick
- ⅓ cup cranberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkle)
- Fresh rosemary leaves or pomegranate seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Using a 2-inch star cookie cutter, cut out stars; you should get about 16 stars.
- Arrange half of the stars on the baking sheet. Top each with a slice of brie and a small dollop (about ½ tsp) of cranberry jam.
- Brush the edges of each star lightly with beaten egg, then place another pastry star on top to form a sandwich. Gently press edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with more egg wash and, if you like, sprinkle with granulated sugar for extra sparkle.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Watch them closely—burnt pastry is a sad pastry.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and garnish as desired.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with these stars. Swap in one of these twists next time:
- Use fig jam or apricot preserves in place of cranberry jam for a sweeter bite.
- Top with crushed pistachios or slivered almonds for extra texture.
- Replace brie with goat cheese or Camembert for a tangier flavor.
Serving & Tips
Serve these stars warm alongside other Christmas Eve Appetizers or on a dedicated platter. Keep them cozy on a warming tray if you’re serving a crowd.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
For extra flair, tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the platter, or drizzle a little honey over the top just before serving.
Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Use a 2-inch star cookie cutter to cut about 16 stars from the pastry.
- Place half the stars on the baking sheet. Top each with a slice of brie and ½ tsp cranberry jam.
- Brush edges with egg wash. Place another star on top to sandwich and press edges gently to seal.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and puffed. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter and garnish with rosemary or pomegranate seeds if using.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Final Thoughts
These Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam have become my go-to Xmas Appetizers when I want to impress without the stress. I still chuckle at that first cheese-explosion trial—proof that even culinary mishaps can turn into delicious memories.
Next time you host, give these stars a try. They’ll brighten your spread, earn compliments, and leave you more time to sip that eggnog instead of hovering by the oven!
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the pastry stars in advance?
Absolutely. Cut and assemble the stars, then freeze them on the baking sheet. When you’re ready, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What can I substitute for cranberry jam if I’m out?
Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a tangy pepper jelly for a sweet-savory combo. Each adds its own twist to this simple recipe.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Place cooled stars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked crisp.
4. Are these suitable for vegetarians?
They are if you choose a vegetarian-friendly brie (some brands use microbial rennet). Always check the label or ask your cheesemonger to be sure.
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