Name: Creamy Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet Puff Pastry (store-bought for convenience); 8 ounces Brie Cheese (opt for triple-cream for extra decadence); 1 cup Cranberry Sauce (whole berry preferred); 1 large Egg (for egg wash); 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary (or thyme as a substitute)

As I pulled the golden-brown Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath from the oven, the inviting aroma of flaky pastry and fresh rosemary enveloped my kitchen, awakening my holiday spirit. This elegant appetizer is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a simple yet show-stopping centerpiece that effortlessly brings the festive spirit to any gathering. The delightful contrast of creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce wrapped in buttery puff pastry makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, even for novice hosts. You can elevate the flavors with just a few ingredient substitutions, keeping that creativity flowing while you impress your guests. Ready to make your holiday gatherings more magical? Let’s dive into this recipe!

Why is this wreath a holiday must?

Simplicity at its Core: This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is incredibly easy to put together, perfect for those who may feel intimidated by entertaining.

Elegant Presentation: Its stunning circular shape and rich colors turn any table into a festive feast, making it a fantastic conversation starter.

Versatile Flavor: Pair the creamy brie with the tart cranberry sauce, or switch it up with fig jam for a uniquely sweet twist that will surprise your guests!

Time-Saving Delight: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, gourmet dish that looks like you spent hours preparing, freeing up time for you to enjoy with family and friends.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This festive wreath is not only visually captivating, but it also caters to varied palates, making it an instant favorite at holiday parties — just like my favorite Baked Broccoli Cheese or Cheese Bread Cozy.

Get ready to dazzle, serve warm, and watch everyone gather around for seconds!

Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath Ingredients

For the Pastry
Puff Pastry – This provides a flaky and buttery base for the wreath; using store-bought puff pastry makes preparation a breeze.
For the Filling
Brie Cheese – Offers a creamy texture and rich flavor, creating that luxurious bite; opt for triple-cream brie or camembert for extra decadence.
Cranberry Sauce – Adds the perfect sweet and tart flavor; whole berry cranberry sauce is preferred for a delightful texture.
For the Finish
Egg (for egg wash) – Helps achieve a golden, shiny finish on the pastry, enhancing its visual appeal.
Fresh Rosemary – Enhances the aroma and flavor with herbal notes; if you don’t have rosemary, thyme works beautifully as a substitute.

This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is an elegant touch to your holiday table that’s surprisingly easy to prepare!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleaning up a breeze. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients so everything is at your fingertips, ready to become part of the delicious Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry
Unroll a sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, ensuring it’s evenly rolled out into a large square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 8–10 equal triangles. Visualize the finished wreath as you arrange the triangles in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, with the wide ends facing the center and points pointing outward.

Step 3: Layer the Filling
Next, take your creamy brie cheese and slice it into wedges, placing them generously in the center of the pastry circle. Top the brie with dollops of cranberry sauce, allowing the sweet and tart flavor to shine. Ensure an even distribution to guarantee that each bite of your Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is bursting with flavor and festivity.

Step 4: Form the Wreath Shape
Gently fold the tips of the triangle pastry over the fillings, tucking them under the inner edge for a secure and beautiful wreath shape. Press the folds down lightly so they hold their shape while baking. This technique not only looks lovely but also helps the melted cheese and cranberry sauce stay enclosed within the flaky layers.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
In a small bowl, whisk an egg to create an egg wash, then carefully brush it over the assembled wreath. This will give your pastry a golden, shiny finish once baked. To elevate the flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped rosemary (or thyme) over the top, adding a fragrant herbal note that enhances the aroma of your Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on the wreath as it bakes; you want it to achieve a beautiful golden brown color and the aroma of warm pastry to fill your kitchen. This visual cue means it’s time to bring your delicious creation out and impress your guests!

Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath to cool for a few minutes before serving. This delicious appetizer is best enjoyed warm, so gather around with friends and family, pair it with some artisan crackers or cured meats, and indulge in each creamy and tart bite of holiday cheer!

What to Serve with Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

When it’s time to elevate your gathering, pairing delightful accompaniments with this festive centerpiece can create a truly magical meal.

Cured Meats: A platter of prosciutto or salami brings a salty contrast that perfectly complements the wreath’s creamy and sweet elements.
Artisan Crackers: Choose a variety of textures—crunchy, flaky, or nutty—to provide an appealing base that complements the wreath’s richness.
Fresh Grapes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness balance the savory flavors of the wreath, making each bite refreshing and vibrant.
Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the wreath’s indulgence, making the meal feel balanced.
Chilled Prosecco: This bubbly drink enhances the celebratory spirit, its lightness harmonizing with the creamy texture of the brie.
Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine echo the rosemary in the wreath, creating a cozy pairing perfect for holiday gatherings.
Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A touch over the wreath before serving adds a delightful tangy sweetness that elevates flavors while enhancing its elegant look.
Fig Jam: For an alternative sweet option, serving fig jam on the side offers a unique spin that pairs beautifully with cheese.
Nut Assortment: Crispy nuts like walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and rich earthiness, playing off the wreath’s creamy texture.

Expert Tips for Making Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Choose the Right Cheese: Select a firm yet ripe brie for smooth melting. Avoid overly runny cheeses which can make the wreath soggy.
Keep the Rind On: Unless serving picky eaters, do not remove the rind; it adds essential flavor and complement to the creamy cheese in the Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath.
Puff Pastry Hacks: If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it’s fully thawed before rolling out. This will keep the pastry from tearing when forming your wreath.
Herb Alternatives: Feel free to swap rosemary for thyme or even sage to suit your taste preferences while keeping the flavor profile festive and aromatic.
Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to add toppings like crushed pecans or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of the cranberry layer for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Cleaning Made Easy: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup after baking your gorgeous wreath.

How to Store and Freeze Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

Fridge: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them covered to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the wreath without baking and wrap it tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating: To restore the flaky texture, reheat the wreath in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This is a great way to enjoy your Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath again!

Make Ahead Options

These Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath appetizers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the holidays! You can assemble the wreath up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, which helps save precious time on party day. To maintain its quality, wrap the assembled wreath tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and brush with the egg wash; then bake as directed. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked wreath for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for fresh, restaurant-quality results!

Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath Variations

Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and personalize this festive wreath to suit your taste!

Sweet Twist: Swap out cranberry sauce with fig jam for a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with brie.
Savory Delight: Use caramelized onions instead of cranberry sauce for a rich, savory flavor that complements the creamy brie perfectly.
Nutty Texture: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pistachios within the filling for a crunchy twist, adding texture and flavor to each bite.
Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with goat cheese or sharp cheddar instead of brie for a unique flavor profile that might just win over even the pickiest eaters.
Herb Infusion: If you don’t have fresh rosemary, thyme or even dried herbs de Provence can provide a deliciously aromatic twist to your wreath.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of heat by mixing in a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for an unexpected kick.
Balsamic Drizzle: For added depth, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the warm wreath just before serving—it’s sure to impress your guests!
Mixed Berry Sauce: Combine cranberry sauce with mixed berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a fruity explosion that brightens each bite.

Enhance your gatherings with these variations, and don’t forget to pair the wreath with a side of my Grilled Cheese Burrito or a delightful Cinnamon Cottage Cheese for a complete holiday experience!

Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath Recipe FAQs

What type of brie cheese should I choose for the wreath?
Absolutely! For the best results, select a firm yet ripe brie cheese. This will ensure a smooth melting texture without becoming overly runny, which could make the wreath soggy. Look for brie with a slightly creamy texture but still holds its shape—perfect for baking!

How should I store leftovers of the wreath?
After enjoying your delicious Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered well to maintain its flaky texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Can I freeze the assembled wreath before baking?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare the Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath and freeze it unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and it will hold up for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw! Just pop it directly into a preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if the pastry gets soggy while baking?
If you encounter a soggy pastry, it’s often due to using a runny cheese or too much filling. To avoid this, make sure to use a firm brie and evenly distribute the cranberry sauce without overstuffing. Additionally, preheating the oven properly ensures a quick, intense heat that will help keep the pastry crisp while baking.

Can I modify the ingredients for dietary needs?
Very much so! If you’re catering to specific dietary considerations, feel free to substitute the brie with goat cheese for a tangy flavor or switch the cranberry sauce with fig jam for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the puff pastry may contain gluten, so if you have gluten sensitivities, you might want to explore gluten-free puff pastry options, which are now widely available.

How can I reheat leftover wreath to keep its texture?
To restore the flaky goodness of your leftover Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help bring back that delightful crispness in the pastry, making it feel as fresh as when you first baked it!