I am so excited to share two of my favorite simple party appetizers with you. If you need easy recipes that everyone will love, these cranberry and brie ideas are perfect. They are simple to make and look fantastic on any table.
Whether you are hosting friends or bringing a dish to a potluck, these recipes use basic ingredients and come together quickly. I know you will enjoy making and sharing them!
Jump to Recipe:
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Stars Appetizer
This is a quick and easy pastry for parties. These little stars are simple to make and always a hit with guests.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Puff Pastry Stars
- Puff Pastry: For ease, use store-bought pastry. Remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you plan to use it.
- Brie Cheese: Cut the brie into small cubes. You do not need to remove the rind; it melts well and adds to the flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: Both canned or homemade cranberry sauce will work. Just a small dollop on each star is enough.
What You Need for Cranberry Brie Stars
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12-15 stars
How to Make These Pastry Stars
Step 1: Prep Pastry & Oven
Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make individual stars. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Assemble the Stars
Place a small piece of brie in the center of each pastry star. Top the brie with a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce. Make sure not to overfill them.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the stars are puffed up and golden brown. Serve them warm.
📝 Final Note
These cranberry brie puff pastry stars are best served warm right out of the oven. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Easy Cranberry Brie Tartlets Recipe
These mini tartlets are perfect for any gathering, big or small. They are simple to put together and taste absolutely amazing.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cranberry Brie Tartlets
- Mini Phyllo Shells: These are usually found in the freezer section. They are already baked, so you just need to fill and heat them.
- Brie Cheese: Cut the brie into small pieces that will fit nicely into the shells. Any type of brie works well here.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use a good quality cranberry sauce. Adding a tiny bit of orange zest to the sauce can make the flavor even brighter.
What You Need for Brie Cranberry Tartlets
- 15 mini phyllo shells
- 4 oz brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Optional: fresh thyme or chopped pecans for garnish
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 15 tartlets
How to Make These Quick Tartlets
Step 1: Prepare Oven & Shells
Arrange the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Fill Each Tartlet
Place a piece of brie into each phyllo shell. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the brie in each shell.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly. If you like, you can garnish them with fresh thyme or chopped pecans.
📝 Final Note
For the best taste, serve these tartlets while they are still warm. They do cool down quickly, but are still very nice at room temperature too.
