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The holiday season isn't complete without this stunning brie and cranberry festive wreath. This eye-catching starter comes together so easily yet looks absolutely magical on any holiday table. I adore how everyone gathers around to grab warm, cheesy pieces while the kitchen fills with the wonderful wintery aroma of fresh rosemary.
I couldn't believe how fast this turned into my favorite holiday party must-have. Those bright cranberries give each mouthful a touch of wonder, and guests always beg me to tell them how I made it.
Round Up Your Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: completely defrosted for the crispiest, flakiest texture
- Brie cheese wedges: pick one that feels slightly soft but still holds its shape for perfect melting
- Cranberry sauce: go for the chunky version to get pops of tangy fruit and gorgeous color
- Egg: creates that beautiful golden shine on the finished pastry
- Fresh rosemary: adds wonderful woodland scent and holiday flair, grab the freshest, most aromatic sprigs you can find
Making Your Wreath
- Warm Up and Get Ready:
- Turn your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and put down parchment on a baking tray so everything comes off cleanly
- Create Your Base:
- On a lightly floured counter, gently spread out the puff pastry. Cut it into eight to ten triangle shapes. Try to keep them similar sized for even cooking. Place them in a circular pattern on your lined tray with wide parts slightly touching in the middle and points facing outward like a star
- Add the Good Stuff:
- Cut the brie into half-inch thick pieces. Arrange them on the inner circle where the wide parts of the triangles meet. Spoon plenty of cranberry sauce over the cheese so you'll get that perfect sweet-tart combo in every bite
- Wrap It Up:
- Take the pointy ends of each triangle and pull them over your filling, tucking them underneath to form a ring shape. Press the edges down so they stick. Whisk up the egg and paint it all over the exposed dough. Sprinkle chopped rosemary across the top for extra flavor and festive color
- Cook It:
- Pop your creation into the oven for twenty to twenty five minutes until it puffs up and turns a rich golden color. The cheese inside should be all gooey and melty. If you want it extra crisp, leave it in a bit longer but keep an eye on it
- Rest and Enjoy:
- Let it sit for about five minutes before moving it. Pull apart or cut portions while still warm for the tastiest experience
Any leftover pieces warm up nicely and taste just as good the day after. The rosemary might be my absolute favorite part - whenever I bake this wreath, my house smells just like the holidays. It brings back memories of my mom always cutting fresh herbs for our special family dishes.
Tasty Tips
Let your brie sit out a bit before you start for the smoothest melting. Try to make your pastry triangles as even as possible for a nice round shape. Always brush with beaten egg to get that beautiful shiny finish you'd see at fancy bakeries.
Serving Ideas
Cut into portions and arrange on a rustic wooden board with a few extra rosemary sprigs for looks. It goes great with bubbly drinks, warm spiced cider, or hot cups of tea at morning holiday gatherings. Try it with a simple green salad or a bowl of toasted nuts for a lovely light meal.
Fun Variations
You can swap in camembert or an extra creamy brie if you want something even more indulgent. Try replacing cranberry sauce with fig spread or apricot jam for different sweet-tart notes. For springtime, try adding thin slices of fresh pears or apples alongside the cheese.
This beautiful wreath always wows everyone at parties. The warm, inviting look and comforting taste make it a holiday tradition worth starting in your home too.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely, you can swap in camembert or any soft triple cream cheese as great stand-ins for brie in this wreath.
- → Is store-bought cranberry sauce suitable?
Ready-made cranberry sauce works just fine, but go for the chunky whole berry types to get better texture and taste in your wreath.
- → Can I make this wreath ahead?
You can definitely prep this wreath early and pop it in the oven right before you need it for the best outcome. Just keep it in the fridge until baking time.
- → What herbs can I use instead of rosemary?
Fresh thyme or sage make wonderful substitutes for rosemary and will still pair nicely with the creamy cheese and tart cranberries.
- → What is the best way to serve the wreath?
Enjoy the wreath while it's still warm from the oven. You can cut it into portions or let everyone tear off pieces as an appetizer or part of your holiday spread.