This beautiful Brie Cranberry Wreath is a fun and festive appetizer! It features creamy Brie cheese surrounded by a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, all wrapped in flaky, golden pastry.
It’s perfect for parties, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love gooey cheese? I usually serve it with crackers or fresh fruit—it’s an instant hit every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky layer is essential for that lovely texture. If you’re short on time, pre-rolled puff pastry is a lifesaver. You could also use crescent rolls, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Brie Cheese: The star of the dish! If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative. Just remember to remove the rind to keep it creamy.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a delightful tartness. For a sweeter touch, consider using dried cranberries. You may need to adjust the sugar if using dried ones since they are already sweetened.
Nuts: Pecans or almonds add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can work well instead. They bring crunch without the nuts!
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme bring flavors that enhance the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried versions will work too—just use less since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Get the Puff Pastry Perfectly Golden?
Getting that pastry golden and flaky is key for presentation and taste. Here are the tips:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the wreath in. This helps it puff up properly.
- When folding the edges, overlapping helps prevent any leaks, keeping all the gooey delight inside.
- Brushing on the egg wash is essential. It gives that gorgeous golden color when baked. Ensure every part of the pastry is covered for the best results!
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This makes it easier to handle and helps the filling set a bit.
With these tips, your Brie Cranberry Wreath will be a showstopper at your gathering! Enjoy the festive vibes and happy cooking!
Brie Cranberry Wreath
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 round (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (plus some whole sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Brie Cranberry Wreath takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40 minutes. It’s quick enough to fit into your day, yet stunning enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a round baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will keep your wreath from sticking!
2. Place the Puff Pastry:
Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Now, put the round Brie cheese right in the center of the pastry. This will be the star of your dish!
3. If Needed, Roll It Out:
If your puff pastry isn’t big enough to fold around the Brie, you can roll it out a bit more with a rolling pin. Just make sure you have enough space around the cheese.
4. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the cranberries burst and it thickens into a jam-like consistency (about 8-10 minutes). Once done, stir in half of the chopped nuts and half of the chopped herbs, then set it aside to cool a little.
5. Assemble the Wreath:
Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the Brie, but be sure to leave some space around the edges so you can fold the pastry over.
6. Fold the Pastry:
Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry up and around the Brie and cranberry mixture. Overlap the pastry as you do this and press down slightly to seal any openings. This will help keep the filling inside while it bakes!
7. Score the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife, make small cuts around the edges of the pastry to create segments—this is perfect for easy serving later on!
8. Egg Wash Time:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture lightly over the pastry to give it that lovely golden color when baked.
9. Sprinkle and Season:
Then, sprinkle the remaining chopped nuts and herbs on top. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt for that extra flavor!
10. Bake It Up:
Now, pop your wreath in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done, remove the wreath from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with whole sprigs of fresh rosemary around and on top for that festive touch.
12. It’s Time to Serve!
Serve your warm Brie Cranberry Wreath with crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh fruit. Enjoy this tasty, creamy, and crunchy appetizer that brings holiday cheer to any gathering!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese can work as great substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the flavor balance if you choose a stronger cheese.
Can I Prepare This Wreath Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the wreath in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with the Wreath?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments like crackers, sliced baguette, or fruits like apples and pears. You can also serve it with a light salad for a complete appetizer spread!