Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Bring a touch of elegance and festivity to your holiday table with this Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath. Flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and a hint of rosemary come together to create a show-stopping appetizer that’s both beautiful and delicious. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy winter evenings, this wreath is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Not only does it taste incredible, but the presentation is magical—your guests will be instantly impressed by this festive centerpiece that doubles as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and eye-catching — a perfect centerpiece for holiday parties.
• Quick and easy — ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.
• Crowd-pleaser — creamy, cheesy, and sweet-tart flavors everyone loves.
• Make-ahead friendly — assemble in advance and bake just before serving.
• Versatile — customize with nuts, herbs, or different cheeses.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  Creates a golden, flaky base that’s perfect for holding the filling.
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
  Soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and balances the tartness of cranberries.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  Adds sweetness and vibrant color; choose whole berry or jellied.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  Adds an aromatic, festive touch.
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) + 1 tablespoon water
  Gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries (for garnish)
  Enhances visual appeal and reinforces the holiday theme.
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
  Adds a light snowy effect for extra festivity.

How to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Step 1: Prep & Shape

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place a small oven-safe bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) in the center of the sheet to guide the wreath shape.

Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly. Cut each sheet into 8 triangular strips, giving you 16 triangles total. Arrange the triangles in a circle around the bowl with wide ends overlapping in the center and pointed ends facing outward, creating a sunburst pattern.

Step 2: Add the Filling

Place small cubes of brie on the wide overlapping section of each triangle. Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the cheese, then sprinkle with chopped nuts and chopped rosemary.

Fold the pointed ends over the filling and tuck underneath the wide center section to form a wreath shape. Remove the guide bowl.

Step 3: Apply Egg Wash

Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush it over the entire wreath for a shiny, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the wreath for 20–25 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Let the wreath cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Make sure puff pastry is fully thawed to avoid tearing.
• Don’t overfill with brie or cranberry sauce to prevent leakage.
• Brush edges with extra egg wash for an even more golden finish.
• Assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving for best presentation.

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Oven-safe bowl (for shaping)
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Small bowl for egg wash
• Spatula for transferring to platter

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version — skip the pecans or walnuts for guests with allergies.
• Herb Twist — try thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a unique flavor.
• Cheese Swap — use Camembert, Havarti, or goat cheese for a different taste.
• Mini Wreaths — make individual-sized wreaths for appetizers at parties.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a glass of sparkling cider, mulled wine, or red wine.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a light holiday starter.
• Add a drizzle of honey over the top for an extra sweet touch.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the wreath ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of sauce?
Yes, cook them down with sugar to make a sauce-like consistency first.

Can I freeze the assembled wreath?
It’s best to bake fresh, but unbaked and assembled wreaths can be frozen for a short period. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What other nuts work well?
Almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews can be used as alternatives.

Can I make a vegan version?
Substitute vegan puff pastry, plant-based cheese, and egg wash alternatives (like non-dairy milk or aquafaba).

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Final Thoughts

This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is an elegant and festive appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress your guests. Its combination of flaky pastry, creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts makes every bite delightful. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a special Christmas Eve treat, it’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.