Description
These Cranberry Brie and Thyme Puff Pastry Twists are a delightful appetizer combining flaky, golden puff pastry with creamy brie cheese, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, and aromatic fresh thyme. Perfectly twisted for a beautiful presentation and brushed with egg wash for a shiny finish, they offer a harmonious balance of flavors ideal for festive gatherings or elegant snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250g), thawed
Fillings
- 120g (4 oz) brie cheese, sliced
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (smooth or whole berry)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for post-bake drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If there are any creases or uneven areas, gently roll the pastry slightly to smooth it out.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into 8 even strips to create the base for your twists.
- Add Fillings: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce evenly over each strip. Top each with slices of brie cheese and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for added aroma and flavor.
- Form Twists: Carefully fold each strip lengthwise over the fillings and gently twist the folded strip several times. Pinch the ends firmly to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.
- Egg Wash: Arrange the twists on the prepared baking tray and brush the tops generously with beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the twists are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
- Optional Honey Drizzle: After baking, while the twists are still warm, optionally drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the tart cranberry and creamy brie.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before unrolling to make it easier to handle and achieve flakier results.
- If you do not have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used but use sparingly as it is more concentrated.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges when cutting the pastry strips.
- Serve these twists warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- The optional honey drizzle adds a lovely balance but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cranberry, Brie, Puff Pastry, Appetizer, Thyme, Holiday Snack, Easy Recipe, Baked Twists
