Soft, creamy Brie wrapped in golden pastry and topped with sweet-tart cranberries — this Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is the show-stopping appetizer your holiday table needs. Perfect for Friendmas dinners, Christmas brunches, or any holiday food ideas list!
If there’s one dish that says “holiday magic,” it’s this baked Brie wreath. With gooey melted Brie cheese, buttery puff pastry, and tangy cranberry sauce, it’s the kind of appetizer that vanishes the moment it hits the table. Whether you’re planning a Christmas dinner party, a Brunchgiving with friends, or even an Xmas food dinner, this recipe is elegant, effortless, and downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Stunning holiday presentation — shaped like a festive wreath!
- ✔️ Melty Brie, sweet cranberries, and buttery puff pastry = pure joy.
- ✔️ Quick prep (ready in under 30 minutes).
- ✔️ Perfect for Starters Christmas or holiday dinner parties.
- ✔️ Pairs beautifully with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls and Apple Crumble Cheesecake.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry sheets (thawed) | 2 sheets |
| Brie cheese wheel | 8 oz (225 g) |
| Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned) | ½ cup |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs | 2–3 |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
| Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) | 2 tbsp |
| Honey (for drizzling) | 1 tbsp |
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Brie Cheese: Go for a creamy, ripe Brie that melts easily. Triple cream Brie works wonderfully for a gooey center.
Puff Pastry: Choose all-butter pastry for best flavor and flakiness — store-bought works perfectly.
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh tang, but canned versions save time. Add a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist!
How to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out pastry: Arrange puff pastry sheets slightly overlapping into a large circle on the baking sheet.
- Add the Brie: Place slices or chunks of Brie evenly around the circle, leaving a gap in the middle.
- Add cranberries: Spoon cranberry sauce between the cheese pieces. Sprinkle nuts if using.
- Fold and seal: Fold pastry edges toward the center, tucking to form a wreath shape.
- Brush and bake: Brush with egg wash and bake 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Finish and serve: Cool slightly, drizzle with honey, garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Use a small bowl in the center as a guide to shape your wreath evenly.
- Chill the pastry 5–10 minutes before baking for extra flakiness.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.
- Add a few pomegranate arils for sparkle and crunch.
This appetizer pairs beautifully with Brussels Sprout & Kale Apple Salad for a fresh touch on your holiday table.
Recipe Variations
- Mini Brie Bites: Use puff pastry squares and bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
- Brunchgiving Twist: Add caramelized onions or dried cranberries for sweet-savory flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts — the cranberry and brie combo still shines.
- Herb Upgrade: Add thyme, sage, or rosemary inside the folds for aromatic flair.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers up to 2 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cooking time.
Make-ahead: Assemble the wreath and refrigerate until ready to bake — ideal for party prep!
FAQ
Can I use Camembert instead of Brie?
Yes! Camembert has a similar creamy texture and flavor, making it a great substitute.
Can I make it without cranberry sauce?
Absolutely — try fig jam or apricot preserves for a sweet twist.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving for best texture.
Conclusion: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer
This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath brings warmth, color, and elegance to your holiday spread. It’s easy, gorgeous, and delicious — exactly what every holiday dinner party or Friendmas gathering needs.
Serve it alongside Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or close your meal with Apple Crumble Cheesecake for a memorable Christmas dinner menu.
Light the candles, pour the wine, and let the Brie magic begin!
Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
Ingredients
For the Wreath
- 2 sheets Puff pastry sheets (thawed) Choose all-butter pastry for the best flavor and flakiness.
- 8 oz Brie cheese wheel Select a creamy, ripe Brie that melts easily.
- ½ cup Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned) Homemade adds freshness, but canned works well for convenience.
- 2–3 sprigs Fresh rosemary For garnish.
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) Adds a nice crunch.
- 1 tbsp Honey (for drizzling) To add sweetness before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly overlapping into a large circle on the baking sheet.
- Place slices or chunks of Brie evenly around the circle, leaving a gap in the middle.
- Spoon cranberry sauce between the cheese pieces and sprinkle nuts if using.
- Fold the pastry edges toward the center, tucking them in to form a wreath shape.
Baking
- Brush the assembled wreath with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Let it cool slightly, drizzle with honey, garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve warm.
