Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam – Festive Holiday Appetizers That Shine Bright

Looking for a Christmas appetizer that screams “I made an effort” but secretly takes almost no effort? These Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam are your new secret weapon. Think buttery puff pastry, creamy Brie, and sweet-tart cranberry jam all baked into flaky perfection. Sounds fancy, right? But here’s the kicker—it’s ridiculously easy.

Every year, I host a small get-together with friends before Christmas Eve. Between wrapping gifts, chasing kids, and pretending to clean the house, I need quick holiday appetizers that look elegant but take minimal prep. That’s when these Puff Pastry Brie Stars became my go-to. They’re the perfect Christmas Party Food Appetizers—bite-sized, festive, and impossible to resist. Plus, they fit beautifully on any Christmas charcuterie board or snack platter.

Whether you’re planning Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties or a cozy Christmas Eve appetizer, these golden little stars add sparkle to your table. Trust me—no one needs to know they took less than 30 minutes to make. 😉

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup cranberry jam or cranberry sauce
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
• Flour, for dusting the surface

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Because who loves scrubbing melted cheese? Not me.
2. Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry just a bit to smooth any creases. You don’t need to go wild—just a gentle roll to even it out.
3. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out small stars from the pastry. Re-roll the scraps and keep cutting until you’ve used it all. Waste not, want not!
4. Place the stars on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart.
5. Using a small knife, gently score a smaller star inside each piece without cutting all the way through. This helps the center puff nicely while keeping room for the filling.
6. Brush each star lightly with the beaten egg to give that perfect golden finish.
7. Place a small cube of Brie in the center of each star and top it with about ½ teaspoon of cranberry jam.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like pure Christmas magic at this point.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter.
10. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt for that restaurant-style finish.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists on this Puff Pastry Brie Stars Recipe:

• Fig & Brie Stars: Swap cranberry jam for fig jam for a sweet, earthy twist. It’s extra fancy with a drizzle of honey.
• Caramelized Onion Stars: Add a spoonful of caramelized onions instead of jam. Perfect if you prefer savory over sweet.
• Spicy Cranberry Version: Mix a pinch of chili flakes into your cranberry jam for a subtle kick that surprises your guests (in a good way!).

Serving & Tips

These Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are total crowd-pleasers for any holiday spread. Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, for maximum gooey Brie goodness. If you’re prepping for a big bash, you can assemble them a few hours ahead—just keep them in the fridge and pop them in the oven right before serving.

Here are some extra serving ideas and storage hacks:

• Serve on a charcuterie board: Pair with grapes, rosemary sprigs, and nuts for a classy Christmas Charcuterie Board Idea.
• Store leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
• Make-ahead tip: You can freeze the unbaked stars on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the time.

If you’re into Holiday Finger Foods or Elegant Christmas Appetizers, these stars hit every mark. They’re flaky, festive, and surprisingly addictive. I’ve seen even the “I don’t eat cheese” crowd sneak seconds. 😉

Final Thoughts

So, what makes these Puff Pastry Brie Stars with Cranberry Jam such a hit? Simple: they blend everything we love about the holidays—warmth, color, and comfort—into one tiny, buttery bite. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just need a Quick Holiday Appetizer to impress your in-laws, this one’s got your back.

Honestly, the hardest part about this recipe is stopping yourself from eating them all before your guests arrive (been there, done that 😅). Save a few for your platter, light some candles, and let these Puff Pastry Christmas Appetizers steal the spotlight. Happy baking and happy holidays!

FAQs

Can I make these Puff Pastry Brie Stars ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready, bake just before serving. You can also freeze them unbaked and cook straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes.

What other jams can I use besides cranberry?

Raspberry, fig, or apricot jams work beautifully. Each adds its own twist, making these Baked Brie Appetizers versatile and fun to experiment with.

Can I make these vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely. The original recipe already is! Just ensure your puff pastry brand uses plant-based ingredients if you’re aiming for a fully vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.

How do I keep them crispy after baking?

Let them cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. If they lose crispiness, reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving—good as new!