This Brie Cranberry Wreath is a beautiful and tasty dish perfect for any gathering. Creamy Brie cheese gets a sweet upgrade with tart cranberries, all wrapped in golden pastry.
It’s like a present for your taste buds! I love serving this at parties, and it always disappears fast. People can’t resist that cheesy, fruity goodness! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is a must for that gorgeous wreath shape. If you can’t find puff pastry, you could use crescent roll dough instead, but keep in mind it might taste a bit different.
Brie Cheese: The creamy texture of Brie makes this dish special. If Brie is hard to find, camembert can be a nice substitute. It has a similar flavor and texture.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a juicy tartness. If they’re out of season, dried cranberries will work, though they won’t have the same burst of freshness. Consider rehydrating them in warm water for added moisture!
Nuts: I love using pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts are a great choice too. Feel free to leave nuts out if you have allergies, or substitute with seeds like pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Herbs: Rosemary enhances the flavor beautifully. If you don’t have rosemary, thyme or even Italian seasoning can work to create a tasty alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Shape Puff Pastry?
Rolling and shaping puff pastry might seem tricky, but it’s really about keeping things simple and fun! Here’s how to get that perfect wreath shape:
- After rolling out the pastry to a 12-inch circle, make sure it’s even all around. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for cleaner cuts.
- When scoring around the Brie, try not to cut through to the cheese to keep it intact while baking. Think of it as creating a frame.
- As you fold the pastry over the topping, it doesn’t have to be perfect. A rustic look adds charm!
Remember, the beauty of this dish is in its homemade vibe, so have fun with it! A little practice will make you a pro in no time.
Brie Cranberry Wreath Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 12 oz), thawed
- 1 wheel Brie cheese (8 oz)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Brie Cranberry Wreath takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. You’ll have a scrumptious centerpiece ready in about 45 minutes total, giving it just enough time to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your wreath goes in! Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just aim for a nice round shape!
3. Prepare the Brie:
Now, place the Brie in the center of your puff pastry round. Grab a sharp knife and carefully score a circle about 1 inch from the edge of the Brie. Be careful not to cut through the cheese itself—just the pastry!
4. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Take your cranberry sauce or chutney and spread it evenly over the top of the Brie within that scored circle. This delicious layer adds flavor and moisture!
5. Mix and Spoon the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine your fresh cranberries, chopped nuts, honey, rosemary, and thyme (if you’re using it). Mix well and then spoon this fruity, nutty goodness right on top of the cranberry sauce.
6. Fold the Pastry:
Now for the fun part! Start folding the puff pastry pieces over the Brie and the filling, overlapping them slightly to create a beautiful wreath shape. It’s okay if it’s a bit rustic—just make sure it looks festive!
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using a brush or a spoon, gently coat the folded pastry with the beaten egg. This helps create a lovely golden color as it bakes.
8. Bake the Wreath:
Carefully place your wreath on the prepared baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and puffy, with the Brie melting inside!
9. Let It Cool:
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the filling settle and makes it easier to serve.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
To finish, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and scatter some extra cranberries around the wreath for a festive touch. Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette. Enjoy dipping into that delicious warm Brie and cranberry mixture!
This Brie Cranberry Wreath is perfect for holiday parties or special occasions. It looks stunning and tastes even better—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw them first! Drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other ingredients to prevent the filling from getting too watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crispy again.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the wreath a few hours in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you can’t find puff pastry, crescent roll dough or phyllo dough can be good alternatives. Keep in mind that using a different dough might change the texture and flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
