These Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels are a tasty treat! Soft cheese meets sweet cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Perfect for any party or snack time!
Plus, they’re super easy to make—just spread, roll, and slice! I love serving them with a side of festive spirit. They always vanish quickly! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s thawed before rolling it out. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough, though the texture will be different.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds a creamy and rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, Camembert cheese works nicely too. You could also try a soft goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use store-bought cranberry sauce or homemade if you have it! If you can’t find cranberries, try using raspberry jam or cherry preserves for a similar sweetness.
Herbs: I like adding fresh rosemary or thyme for some added flavor. If you don’t have those on hand, dried herbs or even a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the taste!
How Do You Roll and Slice Puff Pastry Perfectly?
Rolling and slicing puff pastry accurately is key for nice pinwheels. Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure your surface is floured well so the pastry doesn’t stick.
- When rolling, aim for an even thickness all over; this helps with baking evenly.
- To slice, use a sharp knife or dough cutter and press straight down rather than sawing, to keep the layers intact.
By following these steps, you’ll get beautifully shaped pinwheels that bake up impressively! Enjoy your cooking!
Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 150g Brie cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or whole fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total: 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for baking. It’s a quick snack or appetizer that’s super delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, you want to preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This way, your pinwheels will come off easily when they’re done!
2. Rolling Out the Pastry:
Take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that’s about 12×9 inches. This creates a nice flat canvas for our delicious fillings!
3. Adding the Fillings:
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry, or sprinkle whole cranberries if you prefer. Make sure to leave a small border (about an inch) around the edges so everything stays inside. Then, layer the sliced Brie cheese over the cranberries.
4. Seasoning it Up:
If you like a little extra flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped rosemary or thyme on top. For those who love cheese, this is the moment to add some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick!
5. Rolling Up the Pastry:
Carefully roll the pastry from the longer side to create a tight spiral. This helps keep your filling packed inside and makes for a great bite!
6. Slicing the Pinwheels:
Once rolled, slice the pastry into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Each slice should show off the beautiful filling inside!
7. Baking the Pinwheels:
Place the pinwheels cut side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between each one. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that golden-brown finish when they bake.
8. Enjoying Your Creation:
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until your pinwheels are puffed and golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Once baked, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate. Enjoy these warm, flaky, sweet-and-savory treats as a perfect appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is lovely for its creaminess, you can substitute with Camembert for a similar taste. For a stronger flavor, try a soft goat cheese or even a tangy blue cheese, but keep in mind, it will change the overall flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy texture!
Can I Make These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate them (covered) before baking. They can be baked directly from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold when you place them in the oven.
What can I serve with Brie and Cranberry Pinwheels?
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, or you can serve them with a variety of dips like a honey mustard or balsamic glaze for some added flavor. They also go great with sparkling wine or cider for a festive touch!