This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is a festive, shareable appetizer that always disappears fast at holiday gatherings. I first made it for a small family party and loved how the warm, gooey brie paired with bright cranberry sauce created a perfect sweet-savory bite. If you like baked brie twists, you’ll also enjoy a tangy twist on grilled cheese I tested recently: Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese.
Why Make This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper: the wreath shape looks festive and feels special without complicated work.
- Crowd-pleaser: warm melty brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce suits many palates.
- Quick to assemble: most of the work is arranging dough and spooning filling, so it’s great for last-minute hosting.
- Versatile: you can make it with store-bought puff pastry or crescent dough and swap fillings.
- Personal note: I love this recipe because it takes one wheel of cheese and turns it into something festive that feeds a group with minimal fuss.
For a different holiday twist, you can pair this idea with ideas from my favorite seasonal sweets: Crockpot candy variations.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Total time: about 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 appetizer portions
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking method: Assemble a ring of dough around a wheel of brie, fill with cranberry sauce and optional mix-ins, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden and the cheese is molten.
If you like wreath-style appetizers, check out this seasonal pizza wreath idea I tested: Christmas pizza wreath.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this wreath several times to get the dough spacing and bake time right so the brie melts without the pastry over-browning. The key discovery was chilling the assembled wreath briefly before baking to help the shape hold. Once I started using a parchment-lined baking sheet and an egg wash, the crust turned out glossy and evenly golden every time.
How to Make Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
Start with one 8–9 oz wheel of brie and one can of crescent roll dough (or a sheet of puff pastry). Roll the dough triangles or strips into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a cavity for the brie. Spoon about 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or jarred) on top of the brie and scatter optional toppings like chopped pecans or chopped fresh rosemary. Fold the dough ends over the edges to form a wreath, brush with an egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water), chill 10 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until pastry is golden and cheese is soft.
Equipment tip: use a round cake pan or small bowl (upside-down) to trace the inner circle for consistent shape, and bake on a rimmed sheet to catch any drips.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill before baking: after assembling, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm the dough and prevent spreading.
- Control leaks: trim any paper-thin edges of brie rind where the cheese might ooze, and leave a small gap under the folded dough so steam can escape without bursting the crust.
- Even browning: rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for consistent color and golden crispness.
- Choose the right dough: puff pastry gives a flakier, richer crust; crescent dough is more pillowy and forgiving for beginner bakers.
- Use an egg wash and a fine brush to seal seams and get a glossy finish; sprinkle coarse sea salt or finely chopped rosemary after brushing for extra flavor.
For more baked-brie inspiration and pairing ideas, see this baked brie with cranberry sauce guide I use as a reference: Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce.
How to Serve Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Slice into wedges and serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices for balance.
- Offer small tongs and spoons so guests can help themselves to stray cranberry bits and pecans.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a light dusting of chopped toasted pecans for texture and color.
- Great for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a festive starter for a winter dinner.
If you’re planning a full holiday spread, this wreath pairs nicely with easy party sweets like these crockpot candies: Crockpot candy ideas.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C), place the wreath on a baking sheet, and warm for 8–12 minutes until the cheese is soft again—avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy. You can freeze the unbaked assembled wreath (well-wrapped) for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding about 8–12 minutes to the baking time and watching for a golden crust.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry or crescent dough alternative and follow the same assembly and bake times, checking early.
- Dairy-free: use a high-quality vegan brie and a dairy-free puff pastry; the melting will differ, so reduce bake time and watch for pastry color.
- Nutty variation: fold chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the cranberry filling for crunch.
- Savory twist: swap cranberry for caramelized onions and fig jam, or add a thin layer of Dijon mustard under the cranberry for an extra tang.
Nutritional Highlights
- Cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein, helping to satiate guests at snack time.
- This appetizer is relatively high in fat, saturated fat, and sodium, so plan portions (about 2–3 small wedges per person).
- Allergen information: contains dairy and gluten unless you specifically use gluten-free or dairy-free products.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Pastry browns too fast: cover loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while the interior finishes.
- Cheese leaks and runs out: avoid slicing the top off the brie; instead, score gently or leave rind intact and fold dough over the edges to contain it.
- Soggy bottom: bake on a preheated rimmed sheet and avoid excess wet toppings; chilling the assembled wreath helps keep the base firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake it later?
A: Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking, or freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Chill before baking to keep the shape; if frozen, bake from frozen and add 8–12 minutes to the time.
Q: What’s the best cranberry filling to use—fresh or jarred?
A: Both work. Jarred cranberry sauce is convenient and slightly thicker, which reduces drips. Fresh cranberry sauce (cooked down with sugar and orange zest) gives brighter flavor and a fresher texture.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
A: Absolutely. Puff pastry gives a flakier, more elegant crust. Thaw it completely, roll into strips, and proceed the same way, watching closely as puff pastry can brown faster.
Q: How do I prevent the wreath from sticking to the pan?
A: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly flour or spray the paper if using a stickier filling. Using a rimmed sheet also catches any overflow and makes cleanup easy.
Conclusion
For a tested, crowd-pleasing version of this idea and alternate assembly tips, check out this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath guide: Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 appetizer portions
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive, shareable appetizer featuring warm brie cheese and cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel (8–9 oz) brie cheese
- 1 can crescent roll dough or 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or jarred)
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the crescent dough or puff pastry into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a space for the brie.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and add any optional toppings.
- Fold the dough over the edges of the brie to form a wreath.
- Brush the dough with an egg wash (mix egg and water).
- Chill the wreath in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is soft.
Notes
For best results, chill the wreath before baking to help maintain shape, and try using a round cake pan for a consistent shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American