This Brie Cranberry Wreath is a festive treat that’s both cheesy and sweet! A warm, gooey wheel of Brie is wrapped in flaky pastry and topped with a delicious cranberry sauce.
If you’ve got a holiday gathering, this wreath will impress everyone! I always keep it warm in the oven until it’s time to dig in—nothing beats that melty cheese! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is essential for creating that stunning wreath shape. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough instead for a similar effect. Just roll it out and follow the same shaping steps.
Brie: Choose a high-quality wheel of Brie for the best taste. If you’re not a fan of Brie, Camembert can be a great substitute as it has a similar creamy texture, but a slightly different flavor.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are what makes this dish special. If they are out of season, you can use a store-bought cranberry sauce, just adjust the amount of sugar you’ll need since it’s usually sweetened.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to omit them if you have nut allergies. You can also use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
Fresh Herbs: The thyme gives great flavor, but rosemary works just as well, or you can stick with dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just use less—about a third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Create the Perfect Wreath Shape with Puff Pastry?
Shaping the wreath is where the fun begins! It might seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple with these tips:
- After rolling out the puff pastry, make sure your wheel of Brie is centered. This keeps the wreath balanced.
- Cut the pastry into strips about 1.5 inches wide around the Brie, but leave the inner circle untouched; this is important for the Brie to be visible and gooey!
- When folding the strips, fold them over the Brie and slightly overlap them. This not only looks nice but helps keep everything contained as it bakes.
- Brushing with egg wash is key for that golden finish! Don’t skip this step to make your wreath look irresistible.
With these tips in mind, you’ll create a stunning Brie Cranberry Wreath that’s sure to wow your guests at any gathering!
Brie Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking time, making it ready to serve in about 45 minutes. So, you’ll have a beautiful, gooey appetizer to share at your gathering in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and half of the thyme leaves. Cook this mix while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. If you’re using chopped nuts, stir them in after taking the sauce off the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until it’s roughly a 12-inch square. Place the wheel of Brie cheese right in the center of the pastry.
4. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Spoon most of the cooled cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie, but save a little for later to garnish your wreath.
5. Shape the Wreath:
Carefully cut the puff pastry into strips about 1.5 inches wide around the Brie, remembering to leave the inner circle uncut. Then, gently fold each strip over the Brie towards the outside, slightly overlapping the cranberry topping to give your wreath a beautiful shape.
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the puff pastry to help it achieve a lovely golden color while baking.
7. Bake the Wreath:
Place your beautiful wreath on the prepared baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for around 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, and the Brie inside is beautifully melted.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, transfer the wreath to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining cranberry sauce into the center of the wreath. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and sprigs of rosemary.
9. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve this delightful wreath warm with crackers or slices of bread for dipping into the gooey Brie and the tangy cranberry topping. Enjoy the compliments from your guests as they savor each bite!
This Brie Cranberry Wreath makes for a stunning and delicious appetizer, perfect for holiday parties or any special occasion. Happy baking!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator before using it. This helps to maintain the flaky texture that makes the wreath so delicious.
Can I Prepare the Cranberry Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the cranberry sauce up to 3 days ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it slightly before assembling the wreath for best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for tasty results!
What Can I Substitute for Brie?
If Brie isn’t your favorite, Camembert is a fantastic substitute! It has a similar soft texture and melting quality. For a different flavor, try using goat cheese or a creamy cheddar as alternatives.
