As the air gets crisp and leaves turn colors, we all start to feel the holiday spirit. We look forward to spending time with family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying tasty treats. Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls are a classic holiday appetizer that sets the mood right.
These bites are a treat for your senses. They mix creamy brie cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts in flaky pastry. They’re a hit at any holiday party, offering a mix of flavors and textures that everyone loves.
Key Takeaways About Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls
- Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls are a festive and easy-to-make holiday appetizer.
- The appetizer features a delicious blend of creamy brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts wrapped in flaky puff pastry or crescent roll dough.
- It’s the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings, requiring minimal preparation time and offering a crowd-pleasing combination of flavors and textures.
- The recipe can be customized with various ingredients, making it a versatile option for your holiday menu.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating and enjoyment later.
For another fun and festive recipe featuring cranberries, consider checking out this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, which pairs perfectly with any holiday spread.
Why Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls Are the Perfect Holiday Appetizer
Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls are the perfect holiday appetizer. They look elegant and taste amazing. These rolls will impress your guests and be the highlight of any holiday party.
What Makes Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls a Special Holiday Treat
This appetizer is special because of its perfect mix of flavors. It has creamy brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts. All these are wrapped in flaky pastry or crescent dough. It’s a dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients Needed for Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Puff pastry or crescent roll dough
Quick and Easy Prep for Cranberry and Walnut Brie Pastry
This holiday appetizer is quick to make. It bakes in just 15-20 minutes. It’s perfect for hosts who want to impress without spending hours cooking. Plus, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
“Tried it for the first time and everyone loves it—both kids and adults alike. Didn’t even need marinara sauce or any dip. Love it!” – zja
Must-Have Ingredients for Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Pastry
To make the perfect Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need an 8-ounce wheel of creamy brie cheese. Also, use 1/2 cup of tangy and sweet whole berry cranberry sauce.
Don’t forget to add toasted walnuts, finely chopped. They bring a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the mix.
The base of these rolls is either flaky puff pastry or crescent roll dough. This provides a light and buttery background for the brie and toppings. You can also add a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish and a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a holiday appetizer that will wow your guests. It’s both delicious and easy to make.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brie Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Puff Pastry or Crescent Roll Dough | 1 sheet |
| Fresh Rosemary (for garnish) | 1 sprig |
| Sea Salt (optional) | Pinch |
Now that you have these ingredients, you can start making your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls. They’re a delightful holiday treat that will impress your guests.
How to Make Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls Step-by-Step
Making these festive Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls is easy. You can use pre-made puff pastry or crescent dough. Follow these steps to make this tasty holiday appetizer.
Preparing the Pastry for Your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls
Begin by rolling out the dough on a floured surface. Cut it into 24 squares, each about 1 inch. This size is perfect for your baked brie rolls.
Adding Cranberry, Walnut, and Brie Filling to the Pastry
Now, prepare the filling. Cut the brie cheese into 1-inch pieces. Have your cranberry sauce and walnuts ready. These ingredients will mix to create a great flavor.
Assembly Techniques
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Press the pastry squares into a mini muffin tin. Place a piece of brie in each, then add cranberry sauce and walnuts. Add a sprig of rosemary for extra festivity.
Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes. They should be golden and the brie melted. Let them cool a bit before removing from the tin.
With these easy steps, you’ll have a beautiful holiday appetizer. It’s a mix of buttery pastry, creamy brie, tart cranberry, and crunchy walnuts. It’s sure to impress your guests.
Choosing and Preparing the Brie
When making your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls, picking the right brie is key. You’ll need an 8-ounce wheel of brie. This size gives you just the right amount of creamy cheese for your appetizer.
Some people like to take off the rind, but leaving it on can make the cheese taste better. The rind is safe to eat and adds a rich flavor. To make cutting easier, freeze the brie for 20 minutes. Then, you can cut it into 24 pieces, each about 3/4-inch, to fit in the pastry cups.
| Brie Cheese Selection and Preparation | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheel Size | 8 ounces |
| Rind Removal | Optional, can be left on for added flavor |
| Cutting Technique | Freeze brie for 20 minutes before slicing into 24 pieces, each about 3/4-inch in size |
By choosing and preparing your brie cheese carefully, you’ll get a mix of creamy, rich, and tasty bites. These will impress your guests and make your holiday appetizer a hit.
Cranberry Sauce Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right cranberry sauce is key for delicious Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls. Go for whole berry cranberry sauce instead of the jellied kind. Both store-bought and homemade options are great, but check the consistency for the best results.
Fresh vs. Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce
For easy convenience, pick store-bought cranberry sauce. Look for “whole berry” labels for the right texture and taste. Or, make your own homemade cranberry sauce to adjust the sauce consistency to your taste.
Proper Cranberry Sauce Consistency
Whether you buy or make it, the cranberry sauce consistency matters a lot. It should be thick and spreadable to avoid being too runny while baking. Aim for a sauce that keeps its shape when you spoon it over the brie. Use about 1 teaspoon of sauce per roll as a rule.
By picking the perfect whole berry cranberry sauce and getting the sauce consistency right, you’ll make your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls a hit. This focus on detail will make your holiday appetizer a standout, with everyone wanting more.
Working with Puff Pastry or Crescent Dough
To make the perfect Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls, you need to get good at handling puff pastry or crescent dough. You can choose the flaky, buttery puff pastry or the easy-to-use crescent dough. These tips will help make your appetizer a hit.
Puff Pastry Preparation
If you’re using frozen puff pastry, thaw it as the package says. This makes the dough soft and easy to work with. After thawing, roll it into a 10×14-inch rectangle and cut it into 24 squares.
Crescent Dough Handling
For crescent dough, pinch the seams to make one sheet. Then, cut it into squares. Press the dough squares into a greased mini muffin tin to make the perfect cups for the filling.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (for dusting) | As needed |
| Crescent dough | 8 ounces (1 tube) |
| Brie cheese | 8 ounces (1 whole wheel) |
| Cranberry sauce | 1 cup (whole berry) |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish) | As desired |
Whether you pick puff pastry or crescent dough, work fast and gently. This keeps the pastry flaky and crisp. With a bit of practice, you’ll make perfect pastry cups in no time.
Toasting and Preparing Walnuts
Walnuts are key to the taste of your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls. To get the best texture and flavor, it’s important to prepare the walnuts right.
Proper Chopping Techniques
Start by finely chopping the walnuts. This is key for even nut distribution in each bite. Use a sharp knife or a food processor to chop them into small pieces, about a pea’s size.
Enhancing Walnut Flavor
To make the walnuts taste better, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the toasted walnuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until they smell great and look slightly golden. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the chopped nuts.
After toasting, use about 1 teaspoon of the nut preparation for each baked brie roll. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to every bite.
Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines
To get the perfect golden brown crust and melted cheese, follow these steps. These tips will help your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls look and taste great.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking temperature. It will give your pastry that beautiful golden brown color.
- Place the Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid over-browning.
- The cooking time might change based on your oven. Check the rolls at 15 minutes to get that golden brown crust.
When the pastry is golden and the brie is melted, take the rolls out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. This is important because the filling will be very hot.
“The Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls were a huge hit at our holiday party! The crisp, golden-brown pastry and gooey, melted cheese were absolutely irresistible.”
By following these easy steps, your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls will always be a hit. They will impress your guests with their festive flavors and delicious look.
Serving Your Flaky Walnut and Cranberry Brie Pastry Bites
Make your holiday appetizer special with the right serving and presentation of Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture. The melted brie cheese is amazing when it’s at the perfect temperature.
Garnishing Options
Add a festive touch with fresh rosemary sprigs on your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls. The herb’s aroma complements the brie, cranberry, and walnut flavors. Try other garnishes like dried cranberries, toasted almonds, or honey for a different look.
Temperature Considerations
Keep your Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls warm with a warming mat or tray. This ensures they stay gooey and flavorful. For the best cheese experience, serve them right after baking.
For appetizer presentation, serve on a decorative platter or in the mini muffin tin for a rustic look. Either way, your guests will love the appetizer presentation and serving temperature of this tasty holiday treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls can be made up to 3 days ahead. Just assemble the rolls in a muffin tin, cover, and chill until baking time. This makes your holiday prep easier.
For leftovers, keep the rolls in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for the best crispiness. Freezing is also an option; wrap them well and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
These tips help you save time and enjoy the Cranberry and Walnut Baked Brie Rolls all season. They’re perfect for parties or a quick snack. Your guests and taste buds will love them.