Cranberry Christmas Star Appetizer (Print Version)

Bright star-shaped puff pastry with cream cheese, cranberries, and festive herbs for holiday gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cheese Filling

01 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cranberry Mixture

06 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
09 - 2 tablespoons orange juice
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Pastry

11 - 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (about 17.5 ounces total)
12 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)
15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs, for decoration

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
03 - In a bowl, blend cream cheese, mozzarella, feta, chives, and black pepper until smooth and uniform.
04 - Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into a 12-inch circle and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pastry circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
06 - Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture evenly over the cheese filling.
07 - Place the second puff pastry sheet over the cranberry layer. Trim edges to match the bottom circle precisely.
08 - Position a 3-inch diameter bowl at the center. Using a sharp knife, cut outward from the bowl edge into five equally spaced rays to form a star pattern.
09 - Gently twist each of the five rays to expose layers and filling. Remove the center bowl after cutting.
10 - Brush the entire pastry surface with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.
11 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
12 - Allow to cool slightly before garnishing with pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on any holiday table, like edible art that nobody expects from an appetizer
  • The combination of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and buttery puff pastry creates a flavor explosion that keeps people coming back for more
  • You can prep most of it ahead, so you're not stressed when guests arrive
  • It's vegetarian-friendly but impressive enough to serve alongside any holiday spread
02 -
  • The cranberry mixture absolutely must be cooled completely before assembly. Warm cranberries will make your pastry soggy and break down the cheese layer.
  • Don't skip the 1-inch border when spreading the cheese. It's the only thing keeping your filling contained during those dramatic twists.
  • Puff pastry is temperamental. If it starts warming up and getting sticky while you're cutting and twisting, slide it back into the fridge for five minutes. It'll forgive you and cooperate beautifully.
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese will fight you. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before mixing.
  • The moment those cranberries start bursting and the juice turns a deep ruby color, you're about 30 seconds away from perfect. Pull them off too late and they become jam, too early and they're still tart pellets.
  • When cutting your star rays, use a sharp, clean knife and make one decisive cut rather than sawing back and forth. Sawing warms the pastry and makes it tear.
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