The Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is a show-stopping holiday appetizer that combines warm, melty brie with bright cranberry flavor wrapped in golden pastry. I’ve made this for holiday parties and family gatherings — it always disappears fast and looks festive on the table. For a smaller bite version, try this holiday brie and cranberry bites as an easy alternative.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s visually festive and makes a memorable centerpiece for parties.
- The sweet-tart cranberries balance the rich, creamy brie for a delicious flavor contrast.
- It’s quick to assemble—about 15 minutes prep—and bakes while you finish other dishes.
- You can prepare parts ahead, then bake just before serving for best texture.
- I love this recipe because the pastry-to-cheese ratio crisps perfectly when you chill the dough briefly before baking.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Total time: 40 minutes (including brief resting)
- Servings: 6–8 as an appetizer
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Assemble cranberry mixture on a wheel of brie, wrap with strips of puff pastry or crescent dough into a wreath shape, egg wash, and bake on a rimmed baking sheet until golden.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this wreath several times to get the pastry texture right and avoid a soggy bottom. Chilling the assembled wreath for 10–15 minutes before baking helped the layers hold shape and gave a flakier finish. I also learned that a thicker cranberry compote prevents runny messes.
How to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
Start with an 8-ounce wheel of brie at room temperature and a sheet of puff pastry about 9×9 inches (or 1 can refrigerated crescent dough). Spread 1/2 cup thick cranberry sauce mixed with 2 tablespoons honey and 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans over the top of the brie. Cut the pastry into 1/2-inch strips, lay a pastry circle, place the brie in the center, and braid or cross the strips over the cheese to create a wreath pattern. Brush with 1 beaten egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until pastry is deep golden and the cheese underneath is soft. Let rest 5 minutes before transferring to a serving board and garnishing with fresh rosemary.
Expert Tips for Success
- Keep pastry cold until ready to assemble; chill the sheet on a baking tray for 10 minutes if it softens. Use a rimmed baking sheet and parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
- Bring brie to room temperature (20–30 minutes) so the center melts quickly without overbrowning the pastry.
- Use a thick cranberry compote rather than watery sauce to prevent soggy pastry; reduce canned cranberries over low heat for 5–7 minutes if needed. Find an alternate baked-brie idea here: baked brie with cranberry sauce.
- Brush an egg wash (1 egg + 1 tsp water) on pastry for a glossy, deep brown finish and evenly rotate the pan mid-bake if your oven has hot spots.
- If you want crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking or after for contrast.
How to Serve Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Serve warm with sliced baguette, water crackers, or apple slices for a mix of textures. Try pairing with a festive pizza-style appetizer like this Christmas pizza wreath for a holiday spread.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries for color and aroma.
- Offer small cheese knives and plates—guests love tearing off pastry and dipping into molten brie.
- For a buffet, place on a wooden board so guests can gather around and serve themselves.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; cool completely before refrigerating.
- Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8–12 minutes to warm the center without burning the pastry; cover loosely with foil if the pastry browns too fast.
- To freeze: assemble unbaked wreath on parchment, flash-freeze for 1–2 hours, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, tenting with foil if needed.
- Avoid microwave reheating; it makes pastry soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry sheet and follow the same assembly; bake time may vary by brand.
- Dairy-free / Vegan: Substitute a plant-based brie-style wheel and dairy-free puff pastry (test melt time), and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Savory twist: Add caramelized onions or a thin layer of fig jam beneath the cranberries for deeper flavor.
- Mini version: Make individual mini wreaths with small rounds of brie or brie bites for easy party portions; instructions similar to these mini adaptations.
Nutritional Highlights
- Brie provides protein and calcium, while cranberries add vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Watch portion size—this is an indulgent appetizer high in fat and calories; aim for 1–2 small servings per person.
- Allergen info: contains dairy and gluten unless adapted; nuts used as garnish can be omitted or substituted for allergy concerns.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy bottom pastry: Ensure cranberry topping is thick and not runny; prebake the bottom crust for 4–5 minutes at 375°F if using very wet toppings.
- Pastry browning too quickly: Lower oven to 350°F and extend baking time, or tent loosely with foil halfway through.
- Cheese leaking out: Don’t overfill the top; leave a 1/2-inch border for sealing and chill briefly after assembly so pastry adheres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I assemble the wreath ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash right before baking to ensure a golden finish. If frozen, bake from frozen and add extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Q: Should I remove the brie rind before baking?
A: No need to remove the rind; it’s edible and helps the wheel hold shape while melting. For a smoother melt you can score a shallow X on top, but it’s optional.
Q: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, crescent dough works and gives a softer, breadier crust. Puff pastry produces flakier layers and a more elegant finish.
Q: How do I know when the brie is fully melted without cutting it open?
A: The pastry will be golden and the sides under the pastry will feel soft when you gently press the top. If you need to verify, bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads about 135–145°F (57–63°C) for melty but not soupy cheese.
Conclusion
If you want another style of cranberry-wrapped brie for inspiration, check this elegant twist on the idea: Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A show-stopping holiday appetizer that combines warm, melty brie with bright cranberry flavor wrapped in golden pastry.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 9x9 inches) or 1 can of refrigerated crescent dough
- 1/2 cup thick cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread cranberry sauce mixed with honey and chopped pecans over the top of the brie.
- Cut the pastry into 1/2-inch strips.
- Lay the pastry strips around the brie to create a wreath shape.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is deep golden and the cheese is soft.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving board and garnish with fresh rosemary.
Notes
Chill the assembled wreath for 10–15 minutes before baking for a flakier texture. Use thick cranberry compote to prevent soggy pastry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg