Why Make This Recipe
Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is a delightful and festive dish perfect for your holiday gatherings. This recipe combines creamy Brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy nuts, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. It not only looks beautiful as a centerpiece but also tastes delicious. The blend of flavors and textures makes it an ideal appetizer for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
How to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a small oven-safe bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) in the center of the baking sheet to use as a guide for the wreath shape.
- Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly. Cut each sheet into 8 triangular strips, creating 16 triangles total.
- Arrange the triangular strips in a circle around the bowl, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and pointed ends facing outward, creating a sunburst pattern.
- Place small cubes of Brie cheese on the wide overlapping section of each triangle. Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and fresh rosemary.
- Fold the pointed end of each triangle over the filling and tuck underneath the wide end in the center, creating a wreath shape. Remove the bowl from the center.
- Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the entire wreath for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries to create a festive holiday look. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
Serve this wreath warm as an appetizer. Place it on a large platter and provide some extra cranberry sauce for dipping. Pair it with crackers or sliced baguette for an added crunch. It’s also great alongside a holiday charcuterie board.
How to Store Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
If you have leftovers, wrap the wreath tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. You can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to restore the flaky texture before serving again.
Tips to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before using, so it’s easy to roll out.
- You can adjust the amount of cranberry sauce and nuts according to your taste preferences.
- For a more savory version, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or using different herbs on the filling.
Variation
For a different twist, you can swap out the Brie for another cheese like Camembert or goat cheese. You could also experiment with different nuts or add cooked sausage for a heartier filling.
FAQs
1. Can I make this wreath ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the wreath a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
2. What if I don’t have puff pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough as an alternative, but the texture will be slightly different.
3. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The wreath should be golden brown and the pastry should be flaky. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it lightly with foil until the center is cooked through.
Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and festive Brie cheese and cranberry wreath made with flaky puff pastry, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place a small oven-safe bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) in the center of the baking sheet to use as a guide for the wreath shape.
- Roll out puff pastry sheets slightly. Cut each sheet into 8 triangular strips, creating 16 triangles total.
- Arrange the triangular strips in a circle around the bowl, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and pointed ends facing outward, creating a sunburst pattern.
- Place small cubes of Brie cheese on the wide overlapping section of each triangle. Add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and fresh rosemary.
- Fold the pointed end of each triangle over the filling and tuck underneath the wide end in the center, creating a wreath shape. Remove the bowl from the center.
- Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the egg wash over the entire wreath for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Best enjoyed warm as an appetizer. Can be made ahead and kept in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American