There’s something magical about appetizers that come out golden, flaky, and absolutely irresistible. This article is your go-to guide for making the perfect Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers, a crowd-pleasing holiday starter that’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-simple. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or pulling together a last-minute Christmas party tray, you’ll walk away with tips, variations, and serving ideas that will make this dish the star of your table.
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Why Cranberry Brie Pinwheels Are the Perfect Appetizer
They check all the boxes: flaky, creamy, sweet, and savory. Plus, they look impressive without much effort. That buttery crust gives way to a warm, gooey center with the tart punch of cranberry and the earthy creaminess of brie. It’s the kind of appetizer that feels fancy but takes less than 15 minutes to prep.
They also pair beautifully with recipes like these Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls or easy turkey sliders for a buffet-style party. And the best part? They bake up fast and freeze like a dream, so you can always have a batch ready to go.
In the next section, we’ll break down the simple ingredients and fun variations that’ll keep your guests guessing (and reaching for more).
Cranberry Brie Pinwheels Appetizers
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
- Rolling pin (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 4 oz double cream brie sliced thin
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce homemade or canned
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tbsp honey optional
- Zest of ½ orange optional
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 tbsp water for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth edges.
- Evenly layer brie slices on top of the pastry, leaving ½ inch around edges.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over brie. Spread gently.
- Sprinkle chopped rosemary on top. Add optional honey, orange zest, or nuts.
- Roll pastry tightly into a log, starting from one long side.
- Chill rolled pastry in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Slice into ½-inch rounds. Place on baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Whisk egg with water and brush over tops of pinwheels.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 95
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients, Prep, and Variations
Simple Ingredients That Shine
What makes these Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers so lovable is how effortless the ingredient list is. Most of it can be found in your fridge or pantry, or even better, picked up in one quick grocery run.
Start with store-bought puff pastry. You’ll want to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30 minutes. Choose an all-butter version if possible for maximum flakiness and flavor.
Next up is brie cheese. Opt for double cream brie so it melts luxuriously into the pastry. Slice it thinly, there’s no need to remove the rind unless you prefer it that way.
Then, cranberry sauce, the star. You can go with canned if you’re in a rush, but if you’ve got a few extra minutes, homemade cranberry sauce makes a huge difference. Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.
Add a little fresh rosemary, finely chopped. It brings in a pop of piney brightness that’s perfect for holiday flavors. Optional extras? A drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of orange zest, or a few chopped walnuts can elevate the whole flavor profile.
These ingredients work so well together, just like they do in this Crispy Pecan Crackers with Cranberries or the savory Sourdough Bacon Cheddar Scones Recipe, both festive crowd favorites.
Creative Twists and Savory Variations
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s a blank canvas. Try swapping the brie for goat cheese or camembert if you’re after something tangier or funkier. You can also change up the jam, fig spread, apricot preserves, or even a spicy pepper jelly works beautifully here.
For a little crunch, fold in crushed pecans or even toasted pine nuts. Looking to spice things up? A pinch of chili flakes in the cranberry layer adds a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness.
I love pairing these with bold and savory snacks like this Easy Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe or cheesy goodness like Crispy Air Fryer Fried Red Tomatoes. They’re unexpected yet totally complementary additions to a holiday snack spread.
By mixing and matching, you can turn these Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers into something uniquely your own, without ever sacrificing ease.
Step-by-Step Assembly & Baking Tips
How to Assemble Like a Pro
Making Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers is a whole lot easier than it looks. The key is working with puff pastry while it’s still cold but pliable. Lay out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it just enough to even out the edges.
Layer thin slices of brie across the pastry, don’t overload it, or it’ll ooze out too much during baking. Next, spread a generous but even layer of cranberry sauce over the cheese. Sprinkle fresh rosemary on top, then roll the pastry tightly like a jelly roll. Chill the whole roll for 10-15 minutes in the freezer before slicing to help it keep its shape.
Using a sharp knife, cut into ½-inch rounds. Lay the pinwheels flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. This prep method keeps things clean, uniform, and oven-ready.
This same roll-and-slice technique is what makes snacks like 5-Ingredient Easy Turkey Sliders and even savory Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs so great for entertaining, minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
Baking and Serving for Best Results
Bake your pinwheels at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. For that gorgeous glossy top, brush a little egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) on each pinwheel just before they go in the oven.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to keep your baking sheet clean. If you want the pinwheels to stay nice and round, don’t skip the chill time before slicing. Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving, this lets the cheese set a bit and keeps fingers from getting burned.
To keep them warm for guests, place the baked pinwheels on a warming tray or return them to a low oven (around 200°F) uncovered. They reheat beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
Whether you’re serving alongside sweet options or savory bites, these Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers hold their own on any appetizer spread.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Party Pairings for your Pinwheels Appetizers
Make-Ahead Magic & Leftover Storage
If you’re like me, you want appetizers that don’t leave you scrambling right before guests arrive. That’s another reason Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers are a go-to in my kitchen, they’re super make-ahead friendly.
You can assemble the pinwheels, roll them tightly, and refrigerate the log up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just slice and bake. Even better, they freeze beautifully. Freeze the unbaked roll for up to a month, then slice and bake straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers? Rare, but it happens. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore that flaky, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture. Avoid microwaving, as it’ll make the pastry soggy.
These tips come in handy when you’re prepping a larger menu, like adding a side of Classic Cornbread Dressing or planning out a full Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole, both excellent companions to these pinwheels on a holiday table.
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
These pinwheels are standouts on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully makes them even more memorable. For drinks, serve a festive sparkling apple cider. They also go great with a holiday punch.
For a well-rounded spread, consider building a seasonal board with roasted nuts, sliced pears, apple wedges, and cured meats. Or set them out next to other finger-friendly dishes like mini quiches, bacon-wrapped dates, or stuffed mushrooms. That way, everyone has something to love.
Visually, they pop on a rustic wooden platter with fresh rosemary sprigs scattered around. Add a few dried cranberries for color, and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy display in minutes.
Whatever you pair them with, Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers bring festive comfort to the table, easy to prep, easier to love.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Brie Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pinwheels, roll them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Or freeze before baking, they’ll go straight from freezer to oven with just a few extra minutes added to the bake time.
What type of puff pastry works best?
Use all-butter store-bought puff pastry for the flakiest texture. Make sure it’s fully thawed but still cold before you start assembling.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade sauce gives a fresher taste, just be sure it’s thick, not watery. A jam-like consistency prevents soggy pastry and keeps the flavors concentrated.
What can I serve with these appetizers?
They’re great with cider, or a holiday punch. Pair with other party bites like Crispy Pecan Crackers with Cranberries or Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Rolls for a balanced spread.
When it comes to holiday hosting, a recipe that checks all the boxes, easy, elegant, delicious, is worth its weight in gold. That’s exactly what you get with these Cranberry Brie Pinwheels appetizers. They’re flaky, gooey, just sweet enough, and always a hit with guests.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or simply treating yourself to something festive and cozy, this appetizer brings the warmth and flavor of the season right to your plate. Give them your own twist, serve them warm, and watch them disappear faster than you can say seconds.
