Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Introduction Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Looking for a stunning, crowd-pleasing appetizer that screams “HOLIDAY MAGIC”? This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is everything you want on your Christmas table: buttery layers of puff pastry, gooey Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and fragrant rosemary — all wrapped up into a golden, flaky, edible wreath.

Not only does it look like a masterpiece, but it’s also shockingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to wow guests before they even take a bite.

What Makes This Wreath So Special

Imagine warm Brie melting into tart cranberry sauce, tucked inside crisp, golden puff pastry, with pops of rosemary and nutty crunch in every bite. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes — especially when served warm.

Why it works:

• Sweet + savory = irresistible flavor balance
• Flaky and soft textures in every bite
• Easy to assemble, but looks gourmet
• A visual centerpiece that draws compliments

You won’t just serve it — you’ll feel proud putting it down on the table.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what goes into this festive dish — most of it you probably already have or can grab easily at the store.

🧾 For the Wreath:

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cubed
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 egg + 1 tbsp water for egg wash

🎄 For Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Whole cranberries
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Choosing the Right Brie

Brie is the melty magic in this wreath. It gets creamy and luxurious when baked, creating that irresistible cheese pull.

What to look for:

• Double cream Brie: smooth, mild, and melts beautifully
• Triple cream: even richer, for a more indulgent flavor

Rind or no rind?

• The rind is edible — softens as it bakes
• You can trim it if you prefer a cleaner melt, but it’s not necessary

Cut your Brie into small cubes, about ½ inch in size — this helps distribute the gooey goodness evenly.

Cranberry Sauce: Whole Berry vs Jellied

Both types work — it’s just a matter of preference.

• Whole berry: Offers bursts of texture and tart flavor
• Jellied: Smoother and easier to spoon
• Homemade: If you’ve got leftovers from Thanksgiving — perfect!

Want extra festive flair? Add a pinch of orange zest to your cranberry sauce before using.

Nutty Addition: Pecans or Walnuts?

Nuts add the perfect crunch and toasty depth to contrast the soft cheese and pastry.

• Pecans: Sweeter and softer
• Walnuts: Earthier and a bit more bitter
• Toast lightly in a dry skillet for maximum flavor

Allergies? Skip the nuts — it’s still delicious without.

The Role of Fresh Rosemary

Rosemary gives this wreath its holiday aroma and bright, piney taste — like a Christmas tree in herb form. It plays beautifully with the cranberry and Brie.

If you don’t have rosemary:

• Substitute with thyme
• Or go simple and leave it out

Add a few chopped leaves inside the wreath and use whole sprigs for garnishing.

All About Puff Pastry

Puff pastry is the unsung hero of this recipe. When baked right, it’s golden, flaky, and buttery — total perfection.

Pro Tips:

• Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture
• Roll it out slightly to smooth creases and give a bit more surface area
• Keep it cold until you’re ready to assemble

Working too slow? Pop it back in the fridge for 5–10 minutes if it gets too soft.

Step-by-Step: How to Assemble the Wreath

Don’t let the elegant presentation intimidate you — creating the wreath shape is actually super easy with a simple trick: a bowl in the center as your guide.

🌀 Here’s How to Do It:

1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place a small oven-safe bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) upside down in the center of the tray. This gives you a perfect circle to build around.
3. Cut the puff pastry sheets into 8 triangular strips each. You’ll end up with 16 total triangles.
4. Arrange the triangles in a sunburst pattern around the bowl:
   • The wide ends should overlap in the center.
   • The points should fan outward, creating that iconic wreath shape.

Filling the Wreath

Once your pastry is in place, it’s time to build those delicious layers:

🧀 Layer it like this:

• Place a cube or two of Brie cheese near the wide base of each triangle.
• Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
• Sprinkle with a pinch of chopped nuts and fresh rosemary.

Don’t overfill! You want just enough so it’s gooey, but not so much it leaks out when baking.

Folding the Wreath Like a Pro

Now for the satisfying part: folding your wreath closed.

1. Take the pointed tip of each triangle and fold it over the filling.
2. Tuck it underneath the wide base in the center.
3. Repeat all the way around.

This folding technique gives you that beautiful, braided look — and holds the filling in while it bakes.

Remove the bowl from the center. You now have a gorgeous, ready-to-bake wreath!

Brushing with Egg Wash for Shine

Before baking, mix 1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water and gently brush it over the entire wreath.

Why egg wash matters:

• It gives the pastry that gorgeous golden color.
• It adds a slight sheen for a polished, bakery-style finish.

For extra pro points, add a tiny pinch of salt or paprika to deepen the color and flavor.

Baking Tips for Puff Pastry Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and slide the wreath onto the middle rack.

⏲️ Bake Time:

• 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, flaky, and deep golden brown

Check the bottom for crispness — no one wants a soggy base.

Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it’s not lava-hot.

Garnishing Like a Holiday Showstopper

This wreath is already beautiful on its own, but a little garnish takes it to next-level festive.

Garnish with:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs – tucked around the wreath like evergreen branches
• Whole cranberries – like little ornaments
• Powdered sugar dusting – for a snowy effect (just before serving)

It’ll look like it came straight from a holiday bakery window.

Serving Suggestions

This Brie wreath is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways:

🍽️ Serve with:

• Crackers or crostini on the side
• A small bowl of warm cranberry sauce for dipping
• A glass of sparkling wine, mulled wine, or rosé

It’s perfect as:

• A Christmas Eve appetizer
• A starter for holiday dinner
• A party platter centerpiece for potlucks or office parties

Guests can pull off sections easily — no knife required!

Make-Ahead & Reheating Tips

Want to prep it early?

• Assemble the full wreath (including filling and folding), then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 8 hours ahead.
• Brush with egg wash just before baking.

Leftovers?

• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
• Avoid microwaving — it makes the pastry soggy.

Pro tip: The wreath can also be baked, cooled completely, and gently reheated before serving.

Conclusion

The Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is more than just an appetizer — it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a celebration on a plate.

Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this golden, gooey, cranberry-kissed wreath brings all the holiday magic — and none of the stress.

Simple to assemble, stunning to serve, and seriously addictive… trust us, this is one tradition you’ll want to bring back year after year. 🎄🧀✨

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese besides Brie?
Yes! Camembert is a great alternative. For a non-soft cheese, use cream cheese or goat cheese mixed with herbs.

2. Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
You can assemble the wreath and freeze it unbaked. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 10 extra minutes. Garnish after baking.

3. Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely — just skip the pecans or walnuts. You could also use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.

4. How long does it stay fresh after baking?
Best eaten warm and fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp it back up.

5. What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?
Either whole berry or jellied works. Homemade gives it an edge, but store-bought is just fine too!

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