Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

This Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is a delightful way to transform your extra cranberry sauce into a scrumptious breakfast or brunch treat. Perfect for holiday mornings or any time you want a sweet pastry, this recipe balances creamy cheese with tangy cranberry in flaky puff pastry. It’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious danishes in no time.
• Versatile Topping: Use any leftover cranberry sauce, making it adaptable for various flavors and occasions.
• Perfect for Any Meal: These danishes are great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of cream cheese and sweet-tart cranberry will appeal to everyone.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and bake right before serving for a warm, fresh treat.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your pastries cook properly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.

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 Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

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 the oven to 400F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Slice the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal rectangles.
• Score the puff pastry with a sharp knife, leaving about 1/4 inch borders.
• Poke the center of each puff pastry square with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much. Set aside in a cool place.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, mix together:
* The softened cream cheese,
* Granulated sugar,
* Vanilla extract.

Scoop out 1-2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture and place it in the center of each puff pastry square. Gently spread it while avoiding the edges.

Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce

Top each cream cheese mixture with 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce. Again, gently spread it but stay clear from the puff pastry edges.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, beat together:
* The egg,
* Water.

Brush this egg wash onto the edges of each pastry. Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy your homemade leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish!

How to Serve Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish makes for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cheese danish experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Mixed Berries: Serve alongside a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Apples: Crisp apple slices can add a nice crunch and sweetness.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the cheese danish beautifully.
• Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea can balance the richness and provide a calming effect.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Orange Glaze: A quick drizzle of orange glaze enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Chocolate Sauce: For those who prefer chocolate, a light drizzle can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Garnished with Nuts

• Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Almond Slices: Sliced almonds can provide a lovely crunch and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

To achieve the perfect leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Bold Egg Wash: Use an egg wash liberally on the pastry edges for a golden finish.
• Chill Puff Pastry: Keep your puff pastry cool before baking to ensure it puffs up nicely.
• Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill your pastry squares to prevent leaks during baking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese for extra warmth.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before baking for easy prep.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy your danishes warm from the oven for the best texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Pairing side dishes with your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds protein and pairs well with the sweetness of the danish.
2. Granola: A crunchy granola provides great texture and complements the soft pastry.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate between bites of the rich danish.
4. Cottage Cheese: The mild flavor of cottage cheese balances nicely with sweeter dishes.
5. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the danish.
6. Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado toast adds healthy fats that complement this dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results.

• Skipping the Egg Wash: Not brushing the pastry edges with egg wash can result in a dull appearance. The egg wash gives a beautiful golden color and enhances the presentation.
• Overfilling the Pastry: Adding too much cream cheese or cranberry sauce can cause spills during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of each to maintain clean edges and proper puffing.
• Neglecting to Score the Pastry: Forgetting to score the puff pastry may lead to uneven rising. Make sure you score it properly to allow for even puffing while baking.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese can make it harder to mix smoothly. Allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier blending.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can yield undercooked pastries. Always preheat your oven to 400F for optimal baking results.
• Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can lead to soggy or stale danishes. Follow proper storage instructions for maintaining freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?

A leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is a delightful pastry that combines creamy cheese filling with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Can I use other fruits instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes! You can substitute with other fruit preserves or sauces like raspberry, blueberry, or even apple butter for a different flavor twist.

How do I know when my danishes are done baking?

Your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danishes should be golden brown and puffed up. Baking usually takes around 16 minutes at 400F.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastries ahead of time. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!

Final Thoughts

This leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mixing different fruits into your filling. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful treat that makes good use of your leftovers!