Ready to win the holiday appetizer game forever? Because today, we’re making a Brie and Cranberry Wreath, and trust me, it’s the best food ever. Forget sad-looking cheese plates and boring dips. This is a showstopper. A beautiful, edible wreath of flaky puff pastry, gooey melted Brie, and tangy cranberry sauce. What’s not to love?
I first made this for a Friendsgiving potluck, and let’s just say it disappeared in about five minutes flat. I’m pretty sure I saw someone elbow their way to the front for the last piece. It’s that good. So, if you’re ready to become a holiday legend, let’s get baking.
Why This Brie & Cranberry Wreath is a Game-Changer
Ever find yourself stressing over what to bring to a party? You want something impressive but also something that doesn’t require a culinary degree to execute. Well, my friend, this is it. This Brie & Cranberry Wreath is the perfect trifecta of easy, beautiful, and ridiculously delicious.
Think about it: creamy, melted Brie, the star of any cheese board, gets a major upgrade here. We’re wrapping it in a warm, flaky hug of puff pastry. Add to that a homemade (or, let’s be real, sometimes store-bought) cranberry sauce with a hint of red onion, and you have a flavor explosion that is both sophisticated and comforting. It’s seriously good food.
The Magic of Puff Pastry
Let’s talk about the foundation of our beautiful wreath: the puff pastry. This stuff is pure magic. It bakes up into a thousand buttery, flaky layers. You can absolutely make your own, but who has the time for that during the holidays? IMO, store-bought puff pastry is a lifesaver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s thawed properly before you start.
Gathering Your Arsenal: The Ingredients
Okay, let’s get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list; it’s surprisingly simple.
For the Star of the Show:
- Puff Pastry: One sheet of all-butter puff pastry, thawed. Don’t skimp on the quality here; it really makes a difference.
- Brie: A wheel of Brie, about 8 ounces. You can leave the rind on; it helps hold the cheese together as it bakes.
- Egg Wash: One egg, beaten with a splash of water. This is what gives the pastry that gorgeous golden-brown shine.
For the Flavor Bomb Filling:
- Cranberry Sauce: About a cup of your favorite cranberry sauce. Homemade is fantastic, but a good quality store-bought version works in a pinch.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a subtle, savory bite that cuts through the richness of the Brie and the sweetness of the cranberry.
- Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme for that classic holiday aroma and flavor.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted and chopped, for a delightful crunch.
Let’s Build This Beautiful Wreath: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to assemble this work of art? It’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning and delicious centerpiece in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Pastry
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. You want to create a large circle, so if your pastry is a rectangle, you might need to do a little creative trimming.
Place your wheel of Brie in the center of the pastry. This will be your guide for cutting the strips. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, make cuts from the edge of the Brie to the outer edge of the pastry, creating about 16 strips. Think of it like cutting a pizza, but with a cheesy bullseye.
Step 2: The Glorious Filling
Now for the fun part. Remove the Brie from the center for a moment and spread your cranberry sauce in a circle where the Brie was sitting. Don’t go all the way to the edges of the pastry; leave a little border.
Sprinkle the finely chopped red onion, toasted nuts, and fresh thyme leaves over the cranberry sauce. This is where you can get creative. Feel free to add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of rosemary if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 3: Wrap it Up
Place the wheel of Brie back in the center, right on top of that delicious pile of filling. Now, one by one, fold the pastry strips up and over the Brie, tucking the ends underneath. It should look like a beautiful, braided wreath when you’re done.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. A little bit of rustic charm is part of its appeal. The goal is to encase the Brie and filling in a cozy pastry blanket.
Step 4: The Golden Touch
Once your wreath is assembled, it’s time for the egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg. This is the secret to getting that deep, golden-brown color and a beautiful shine. Be generous with it!
If you want to get extra fancy, you can score the pastry with a knife in a decorative pattern or sprinkle some extra thyme leaves on top. Why not, right?
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer your baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown. The Brie should be ooey-gooey and melted on the inside. The smell alone will be enough to drive you wild.
Let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving platter. This is important because the melted Brie will be like molten lava straight out of the oven. Patience, my friend.
Serving Suggestions: Because Presentation is Everything
You’ve created a masterpiece, so let’s make sure it gets the attention it deserves. Serving this Brie & Cranberry Wreath is all about creating a moment.
- The Centerpiece: Place the wreath on a large wooden board or a festive platter. It’s a statement piece, so let it shine.
- Garnish, Garnish, Garnish: A few extra sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary around the base of the wreath add a touch of elegance. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds can also add a beautiful pop of color.
- Dippers Delight: While you can certainly just cut into it and eat it with a fork (no judgment here), it’s even better with some accompaniments. Think sliced baguette, crackers, or even apple and pear slices.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir would be a fantastic pairing. Or, if you’re feeling festive, a glass of bubbly is always a good idea.
FAQs (That You’re Probably Thinking)
Got a few more questions? I’ve got you covered. Here are some common queries that might be floating around in your head.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the wreath, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just brush it with the egg wash and pop it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t like cranberries?
First of all, who are you? Just kidding… mostly. If cranberry sauce isn’t your jam, you can easily substitute it with other sweet or savory fillings. Fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a savory onion and bacon jam would be delicious.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
While Brie is the classic choice for its melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, you could experiment with other soft cheeses. A wheel of Camembert would be a great substitute. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.
The Final Word on This Holiday Hero
So there you have it. The Brie & Cranberry Wreath. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes them say, “Wow, you made that?”
The combination of the flaky pastry, the rich and creamy Brie, the tangy cranberry, and the savory bite of red onion is truly something special. It’s the kind of good food that makes the holidays feel, well, like the holidays.
So, the next time you’re tasked with bringing an appetizer, don’t stress. Just remember this recipe. It’s your secret weapon, your ticket to becoming a holiday potluck legend. And who doesn’t want that? Now go forth and bake
Brie & Cranberry Wreath
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large circle (about 12 inches in diameter).
- Place a small bowl (about 3 inches wide) upside down in the center of the circle to mark the inner ring of the wreath. Use a knife to lightly trace around it without cutting through the pastry.
- Cut 8 evenly spaced radial slits from the traced inner circle to the outer edge, creating wedge-shaped sections like a sunburst.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly around the uncut ring of pastry (between the center circle and the outer edge).
- Cut the Brie into small cubes or thin slices and arrange them evenly over the cranberry layer. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and nuts, if using.
- Carefully lift each pastry wedge from the outer edge and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip under the inner edge to form a wreath shape.
- Brush the entire wreath with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with honey and garnish with extra rosemary or thyme sprigs before serving.
