Festive Brie Cranberry Wreath

This brie cheese and cranberry Christmas wreath brings together creamy, tangy, and flaky textures that make it the ideal holiday appetizer. It captures the festive spirit with simple, elegant flavors that everyone will enjoy during gatherings.

Ingredients

• Sheet of puff pastry thawed: a light and buttery base that crisps up beautifully in the oven
• 8 ounces of brie cheese sliced into wedges: choose a creamy brie for melt-in-your-mouth goodness
• Half a cup of cranberry sauce, whole berry recommended: adds a fresh tartness and festive color
• One egg for egg wash: helps to create a shiny golden crust
• One tablespoon of fresh rosemary chopped: introduces a fragrant herbal note and balances the sweetness

Selecting quality brie and fresh rosemary makes all the difference for elevating this appetizer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sculpt the Base:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the wreath will bake evenly and not stick.

Cut and Arrange the Pastry:

Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Cut the pastry into 8 to 10 triangles. Arrange them in a circular pattern on the baking sheet with the pointed ends facing outward to form the wreath shape.

Add the Filling:

Layer the brie slices around the inner ring of the circle first. Next, spoon dollops of whole berry cranberry sauce over the brie. This layering creates a balance of creamy and tangy in every bite.

Shape the Wreath:

Carefully fold the pointed tips of each triangle over the filling and tuck them under the inner edge of the circle to seal the wreath. This keeps the filling enclosed and helps maintain the wreath shape during baking.

Add Finishing Touches:

Use a pastry brush to gently coat the entire wreath with egg wash. This step is important for creating a glossy and appetizing golden crust. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary on top for added aroma and a festive look.

Bake and Serve:

Place the wreath in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown and the pastry is puffed and crisp. Serve the wreath warm so the melted brie and cranberry sauce are at their best.

Save

One of my favorite ingredients is the fresh rosemary which adds subtle piney notes reminiscent of Christmas trees. I fondly remember making this dish with my family while decorating the tree, and the aroma filled the house with warmth and holiday cheer.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover wreath tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to one day as the pastry may lose its crispness in the fridge. If needed, refrigerate for up to two days and reheat in a warm oven to refresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

If brie is not available, creamy camembert or a mild triple cream cheese work just as well. For cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought varieties can be used as long as they have whole berries for texture. Rosemary can be swapped for thyme for a more delicate herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this wreath as an eye-catching centerpiece on your holiday appetizer table. Offer it alongside a simple mixed green salad or roasted nuts. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or champagne to complement the rich and tart flavors.

Cultural Context

This recipe draws inspiration from the European tradition of decorative savory wreaths and puff pastry appetizers often served at festive occasions. Cranberries and brie reflect classic North American holiday flavors, blending old-world technique with new-world taste.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for this pastry wreath?

Brie cheese is ideal due to its creamy texture and mild flavor that melts beautifully inside the flaky pastry.

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?

Fresh cranberries can be used but will need to be cooked down with sugar to create a saucy consistency similar to cranberry sauce.

→ How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure the puff pastry is chilled before baking and brush with egg wash to create a seal that helps keep the pastry crisp during baking.

→ Can I prepare the wreath in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the wreath ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking to save time on serving day.

→ What are some suggested flavor additions?

Adding chopped pecans or drizzling with balsamic glaze after baking adds a nice contrast and complements the creamy and tart flavors.