This Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is a delightful way to use up your extra cranberry sauce while creating a mouthwatering breakfast or brunch treat. The combination of creamy cheese and tart cranberry sauce enveloped in flaky puff pastry makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Perfect for holiday mornings or cozy weekends, this recipe brings together flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up these delicious danishes in no time.
- Versatile Flavors: This recipe allows you to customize the filling with various fruits or jams for a unique twist every time.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s an excellent way to utilize leftover cranberry sauce, reducing waste while creating something special.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These danishes are sure to impress family and friends, making them ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
- Deliciously Decadent: The creamy cheese paired with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Small bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Essential for evenly baking your danishes without burning.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Sharp knife: Necessary for cleanly slicing the puff pastry without tearing it.
Ingredients
This cranberry sauce cheese danish recipe is made using your leftover cranberry sauce to make a delicious breakfast/brunch item.
For the Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
For the Cranberry Sauce Topping
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp orange juice (add 1/4 tsp at a time if you need to thin out the glaze)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (if you want a stronger orange flavor)
How to Make Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Slice the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles.
- Score around each rectangle leaving about a 1/4 inch border using a sharp knife.
- Poke the center of each square with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Set aside in a cool place.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Scoop out 1-2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture and place it in the center of each puff pastry square, spreading gently while avoiding edges.
Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce
Top each cream cheese layer with 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce, again spreading carefully while keeping clear of the borders.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
- In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water.
- Brush this mixture along the edges of each pastry square.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until golden brown.
With these simple steps, you’ll have scrumptious leftover cranberry sauce cheese danishes ready to enjoy! Serve warm and watch as they disappear quickly from your table!
How to Serve Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish
This delightful leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish makes for a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some great serving suggestions.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Add a side of sliced strawberries, blueberries, or oranges to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
Drizzle with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness and complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce beautifully.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Top each danish with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that is perfect for special occasions.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- These danishes pair wonderfully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, making them an ideal snack any time of day.
Create a Brunch Platter
- Arrange several danishes on a platter with other breakfast items like muffins and fruit salads for an enticing brunch spread.
How to Perfect Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish
Creating the perfect leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is easy when you follow these helpful tips.
- Use chilled puff pastry: Keeping the puff pastry cold ensures that it rises beautifully in the oven, resulting in a flaky texture.
- Don’t overfill: Less is more when it comes to the filling. Overfilling can cause spills and prevent the pastries from rising properly.
- Preheat your oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
- Brush with egg wash: Applying an egg wash on the edges gives your pastries a beautiful shine and enhances their color as they bake.
- Experiment with spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with cranberry.
- Cool before serving: Allowing the danishes to cool slightly after baking makes them easier to handle and enhances their flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish
To elevate your meal experience, consider pairing your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish with these delicious side dishes.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy and crunchy side that balances out the sweetness.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of vegetable or cheese quiche offers a savory contrast and adds protein to your brunch table.
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad that complements the sweet danish.
- Fruit Salad: A seasonal fruit salad adds brightness and freshness while balancing out the richness of the pastry.
- Oven-Baked Potatoes: Crispy baked potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side dish that pairs well with breakfast items.
- Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds provides a nutritious option alongside your sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using leftover cranberry sauce in your cheese danish can be a delightful treat, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Neglecting to Thaw Puff Pastry: Make sure to properly thaw your puff pastry before use. If it’s too cold, it won’t puff up nicely while baking.
- Overfilling the Pastry: Adding too much filling can cause the danish to overflow and create a mess. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese and cranberry sauce.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Applying an egg wash gives your danish a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step for that perfect finish!
- Not Preheating Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that wonderful puff in the pastry.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow the danishes to cool slightly before serving. They will be easier to handle and taste better at a warmer temperature.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish
- Place cooled danishes in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking for warmth after each interval.
- Stovetop: Place them in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish.
How do I make leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish from scratch?
To make it from scratch, prepare your cream cheese mixture, fill the puff pastry as directed, and add your homemade cranberry sauce.
Can I use other fruits instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute any fruit preserves or sauces you enjoy, such as raspberry or blueberry.
What should I serve with leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?
These danishes are great on their own but pair nicely with coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch.
How can I customize my leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into your cream cheese mixture for added flavor!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish recipe is not only easy but also versatile. It makes a delightful breakfast or dessert option that showcases your leftover cranberry sauce beautifully. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or spices to suit your taste. Try it out and impress your family and friends!
Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish
Transform your holiday leftovers into a delightful treat with this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish. This recipe elegantly combines a creamy cheese filling with tart cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, these danishes are sure to impress family and friends while minimizing food waste. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these delicious pastries in no time. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of orange glaze or alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. This easy recipe is an ideal way to celebrate the flavors of the season!
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1/2 tbsp orange juice (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice puff pastry into 8 rectangles and score edges with a knife; poke center with a fork.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth; place spoonfuls onto pastry squares.
- Top with cranberry sauce; brush edges with beaten egg wash.
- Bake for about 16 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg