Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure the puff pastry bakes quickly and evenly, creating a golden, crisp texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the puff pastry from sticking. Carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet, ensuring that it remains intact and doesn’t tear. Using a rolling pin, roll the pastry out into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. The dough should be smooth and even, with no creases or folds. If the pastry becomes too soft to handle, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Spread the cranberry sauce: Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. The cranberry sauce will provide a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy Brie cheese. Be sure to spread the sauce evenly, making sure it covers most of the surface without reaching the edges, which will help the twists hold together once baked.
Layer the Brie cheese: Place slices of Brie cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce. The Brie should be sliced thin enough to melt easily while baking. Arrange the slices in a single layer to ensure each twist gets an equal amount of cheese. The creamy Brie will melt beautifully, providing a smooth and rich filling in each twist.
Sprinkle with thyme: Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves evenly over the Brie cheese. The thyme adds a fragrant herbal note that balances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the twists. Fresh thyme is ideal for this recipe, as it releases its oils and aroma while baking, creating a fragrant contrast to the rich cheese and tart cranberries.
