Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

This Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish recipe is the perfect way to transform your holiday leftovers into a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. With its flaky puff pastry and creamy filling, each bite bursts with flavor. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile enough for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy weekend mornings. This unique twist on a classic cheese danish will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 31 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
• Deliciously Versatile: Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these danishes can be enjoyed at any time of day.
• Waste Not, Want Not: Transform your leftover cranberry sauce into something special instead of letting it go to waste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and cranberry sauce creates a sweet and tangy delight that everyone will love.
• Beautiful Presentation: These danishes are visually appealing, making them great for serving guests.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful danish, you will need a few essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Small bowl for egg wash

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and makes transferring your danishes easy.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for accurately slicing the puff pastry without tearing it.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix your ingredients thoroughly 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 Cream 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

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 the oven to 400F. 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 the puff pastry with a sharp knife, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around each rectangle.
3. Poke the center of each puff pastry square with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
4. Set aside in a cool place.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Mix together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
2. Scoop out 1-2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture and place it in the center of each puff pastry square.
3. Gently spread it while avoiding edges.

Step 4: Add Cranberry Sauce

Top each cream cheese dollop with 1-2 tablespoons of leftover cranberry sauce, spreading gently while avoiding edges.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl:
1. Beat together the egg and water.
2. Brush this egg wash along the edges of each pastry.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until golden brown.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious leftover cranberry sauce cheese danishes! Perfectly flaky, creamy, and bursting with flavor!

How to Serve Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Serving leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. These delightful pastries are versatile and pair well with various accompaniments to enhance their flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to try:

With Fresh Fruit

• Mixed Berries: A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a fresh touch.
• Sliced Oranges: The citrus notes complement the sweetness of the danish beautifully.

With Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: A rich cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the danish for a perfect morning treat.
• Herbal Tea: Try chamomile or peppermint tea for a calming afternoon pairing.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Quiche: Serve alongside a savory quiche for a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Savory Scones: A selection of savory scones can add variety to your brunch table.

How to Perfect Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Perfecting your leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish can make them even more delectable. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right:

• Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keeping the puff pastry cold before baking helps achieve that irresistible flakiness.
• Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overfill with cream cheese or cranberry sauce to prevent overflow during baking.
• Egg Wash for Shine: Applying an egg wash before baking gives your danishes a golden-brown shine and enhances visual appeal.
• Experiment with Spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cream cheese mixture can elevate the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

Pairing side dishes with leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweet danish.
2. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a crunchy, creamy texture contrast.
3. Egg Muffins: Savory egg muffins provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the pastries.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds richness and variety, perfect for those who enjoy savory bites.
5. Yogurt Dip: Serve with a tangy yogurt dip for added creaminess and flavor diversity.
6. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toast offers healthy fats that pair nicely with sweet pastries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Egg Wash: Not brushing the pastry with egg wash can lead to dull, unappealing danishes. Always brush the edges for a golden finish.
• Not Chilling the Pastry: If you don’t keep the puff pastry cool before baking, it may not puff up properly. Store it in a cool place until you’re ready to bake.
• Overfilling with Filling: Adding too much cream cheese or cranberry sauce can cause spills during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons for best results.
• Neglecting to Score the Pastry: Forgetting to score the puff pastry can result in uneven puffing. Make sure to score the edges lightly before adding filling.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect texture and doneness. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish

• Wrap each danish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.
• 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 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time, checking frequently, until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?

A leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is a delightful pastry made by filling puff pastry with cream cheese and leftover cranberry sauce, creating a sweet and creamy treat.

Can I use other sauces instead of cranberry?

Yes! You can substitute leftover cranberry sauce with any fruit preserves or spreads like raspberry, cherry, or blueberry for different flavors.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields 8 delicious leftover cranberry sauce cheese danishes, perfect for sharing at breakfast or brunch.

What should I serve with leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish?

These danishes pair well with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit salad, making them an excellent addition to any breakfast spread.

Final Thoughts

The leftover cranberry sauce cheese danish is not only a fantastic way to use up extra holiday cranberry sauce but also offers versatility for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize your filling by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor. Enjoy this quick and tasty treat that everyone will love!

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