Cranberry Christmas Star Appetizer (Printable)

Sweet-tart cranberries and creamy cheeses combined in a star-shaped holiday pastry, perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Filling

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 4 ounces 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 17.6 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

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
03 - In a bowl, blend cream cheese, mozzarella, feta, chives, and black pepper until smooth.
04 - Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut into a 12-inch diameter circle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pastry circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
06 - Distribute the cooled cranberry mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer.
07 - Place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Trim to match the bottom circle.
08 - Place a 3-inch diameter bowl in the center. Cut the pastry from the bowl's edge outward into five equally spaced rays, forming a star shape.
09 - Gently twist each ray to reveal layers and filling. Remove the bowl.
10 - Brush the pastry surface with beaten egg to encourage browning.
11 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
12 - Allow to cool slightly. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and fresh rosemary if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, it comes together in under an hour and most of that is baking time.
  • The contrast between sweet-tart cranberries and creamy cheeses with that buttery, crispy pastry is absolutely addictive, and your guests will ask for the recipe.
  • It's vegetarian, elegant enough for a formal gathering, yet casual enough to serve at a cozy holiday get-together.
02 -
  • The cranberry mixture must be completely cooled before it touches the cheese layer, or it will make everything soggy and ruin your structural integrity. I learned this by making it twice—the first time was a delicious mess.
  • Don't rush the egg wash step or skip it—it's what makes this look like a showstopper instead of just a good homemade pastry. A light, even coating is all you need.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife for cutting the star shape and for trimming the pastry—a dull knife will compress the layers instead of cutting cleanly, affecting your rise and presentation.
  • If your kitchen is warm, chill the assembled (but unbaked) star for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry puff more dramatically and ensures even cooking.
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