This lovely Brie Cranberry Wreath is a holiday favorite! It’s made with creamy Brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and wrapped in golden puff pastry—a treat for the eyes and the taste buds!
It’s a fun dish to share—just pull off pieces and enjoy! I love setting it on the table at parties; it always gets everyone in a festive mood. Plus, who can resist cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Keep it thawed for easier handling. If you can’t find puff pastry, crescent roll dough could work in a pinch, but it may have a different texture.
Brie Cheese: Brie adds that creamy goodness. If you prefer a different cheese, Camembert or even a soft goat cheese can be a delicious alternative.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well. Substitute with cherry or raspberry preserves if you’re short on cranberries, adding a bit of tanginess to balance the cheese.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts enhance crunch. Not a nut fan? You can leave them out or swap in sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary gives a lovely aroma. If you don’t have rosemary, thyme or even sage can lend a nice flavor. Dried herbs can be used, but start with less as they are more concentrated.
How Do I Twist the Puff Pastry Perfectly?
Twisting the puff pastry is what creates that beautiful wreath shape. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After scoring, make clean cuts for your strips. Aim for even thickness, around 1 inch wide.
- Gently stretch each strip while twisting it to add some flair—don’t pull too hard or they’ll break.
- Fold each twist outward to form the wreath shape. Keep the strips evenly spaced for a beautiful presentation.
Remember, even if they’re not perfect, they’ll still look amazing and taste delicious!
Brie Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (divided)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Brie Cranberry Wreath takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a bit more time making the cranberry filling, and the baking will give it that lovely golden color. Altogether, you should plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish, plus a few minutes for cooling before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir as the mixture heats up—wait for the cranberries to burst and the mixture to thicken slightly, which should take about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, stir in the chopped nuts (if using) along with half of the chopped rosemary. Take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help avoid any sticky cleanup later!
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry and Brie:
Unroll the puff pastry sheet and lay it flat on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to score a circle about 1 inch inside the edge of the puff pastry (be careful not to cut all the way through). Place the Brie wheel in the center of this circle.
4. Create the Wreath Shape:
Now it’s time to cut! Carefully cut the outer ring of the puff pastry into 16 even strips. Gently stretch and twist each strip outward to create a beautiful wreath shape. This part is fun—keep it festive!
5. Brush and Season:
Take your beaten egg and brush it over the pastry for that golden finish as it bakes. Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped rosemary and optional thyme over the top. This will add a lovely aroma while baking!
6. Bake the Wreath:
Pop the wreath into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the pastry to be golden brown and puffed up, with the Brie melting inside.
7. Add the Cranberry Filling:
Once the wreath is beautifully golden, remove it from the oven. Carefully spoon the cranberry mixture into the center of the wreath, making it look festive and delicious.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your wreath by garnishing it with fresh rosemary sprigs for that pop of color and a bit of extra flavor. Serve the wreath warm, allowing everyone to pull apart the pastry strips and enjoy the melted Brie and tart cranberry topping.
This crowd-pleasing baked Brie cranberry wreath is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering or party snack. Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce Instead of Fresh Cranberries?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use 1 cup of store-bought cranberry sauce. Just heat it up slightly before spooning it into the wreath, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, as this will help maintain the puff pastry’s crispiness.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the wreath ahead of time! Assemble the wreath up to the baking step, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Brie?
If you’re not a fan of Brie, try using Camembert or a soft goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese is similar in texture to allow for melting!