Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

This Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a mouthwatering breakfast or brunch treat. With its flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese filling, and vibrant cranberry topping, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend or hosting friends for brunch, these danishes will impress with their flavor and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese filling.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert—these danishes fit any meal.
• Uses Leftovers Wisely: Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into something special rather than letting it go to waste.
• Impressive Presentation: These pastries look stunning on a plate, making them ideal for entertaining guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious danishes, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your danishes, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after baking.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
• Pastry brush: Helps apply the egg wash evenly for that beautiful golden finish.

Ingredients

This cranberry sauce cheese danish recipe is made using your leftover cranberry sauce to make a delicious breakfast/brunch item.

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough

For the Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

For the Topping

• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 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). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Slice the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles.
2. Score each rectangle with a sharp knife, leaving about a 1/4 inch border.
3. Poke the center of each rectangle with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Set aside in a cool place.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Scoop out 1-2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture and place it in the center of each puff pastry rectangle. Gently spread while avoiding edges.

Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce

Top each cream cheese mixture with 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce. Spread gently but keep clear of the pastry edges.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

1. In a small bowl, beat together an egg with water for an egg wash.
2. Brush the edges of each pastry square with this wash.
3. Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until golden brown.

Now you’ve created delightful Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!

How to Serve Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these danishes can delight anyone. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a vibrant and refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Apples: Crunchy apple slices add a nice texture and flavor balance to the creamy danish.

With Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess, making for a satisfying breakfast.
• Flavored Yogurt: Pair with vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt to complement the cranberry sauce.

With Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: Enjoy your cheese danish with a hot cup of coffee for the perfect morning pick-me-up.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can make for a comforting afternoon treat alongside your danish.

How to Perfect Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Perfecting your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your baking experience.

• Use Cold Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry remains cold before baking. This helps achieve that flaky, airy texture we love.
• Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill with cream cheese or cranberry sauce. Leaving space ensures the edges rise beautifully.
• Brush Generously: A generous egg wash on the edges will give your danishes a golden-brown finish that looks inviting.
• Experiment with Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cranberry.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Pairing side dishes with your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish can create a delightful meal. Here are some suggestions that work well together.

1. Fresh Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the danish.
2. Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture and pairs nicely with yogurt on the side.
3. Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese adds protein and makes for a filling accompaniment.
4. Oven-Baked Eggs: Fluffy baked eggs seasoned simply can be a savory counterpart to this sweet treat.
5. Smoothie: A berry smoothie matches the flavors of your danish while adding nutrients.
6. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits enhances freshness and brightness on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overworking the dough: If you handle the puff pastry too much, it may not rise properly. Keep your handling minimal and avoid excessive rolling.
• Skipping the egg wash: This step adds a beautiful golden color to your pastries. Make sure to brush the edges with the egg wash before baking.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400F before placing your danishes inside.
• Adding too much filling: Overfilling can cause the pastries to burst open during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese and cranberry sauce per square.
• Ignoring cooling time: While it may be tempting, allowing your danishes to cool slightly helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

• Wrap each individual danish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently so they don’t become soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture.

Can I use other types of fruit sauce?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with other fruit sauces like apple or raspberry for a different twist on this recipe.

What is the best way to serve leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?

They are delightful served warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready!

How do I store leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish recipe is not only easy but also versatile. You can customize it with different fillings and toppings based on what you have available. Give it a try for breakfast or dessert, and enjoy its delightful flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Transform your holiday leftovers into a delightful treat with this Leftover Cranberry Sauce Cheese Danish recipe. Featuring flaky puff pastry, a creamy cheese filling, and vibrant cranberry sauce, these pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. With only 15 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed on a leisurely weekend morning or served at gatherings, these danishes are sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut puff pastry into 8 rectangles; score edges and poke centers with a fork.
3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Place on puff pastry rectangles.
4. Top with cranberry sauce, avoiding edges.
5. Brush edges with an egg wash made by mixing the egg with water.
6. Bake for about 16 minutes or until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 danish (65g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg