Description
Celebrate the holidays with this elegant Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath, a deliciously festive appetizer featuring creamy Brie wrapped in golden puff pastry and topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for entertaining and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 round Brie cheese (approximately 8 ounces)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Dough and Wash
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed, usually 2 sheets, about 8 ounces)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the wreath is assembled.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide to use for wrapping.
- Position Brie: Place the entire round Brie cheese in the center of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over the top surface of the Brie to infuse fruity flavor as it bakes.
- Wrap Pastry Strips: Arrange the puff pastry strips around and slightly over the Brie, twisting and overlapping them to form a decorative wreath shape encasing the cheese.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed puff pastry generously with the beaten egg to help achieve a glossy, golden-brown crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the wreath from the oven, let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is thawed completely for easier handling and better puff.
- Use a sharp knife to cut puff pastry strips evenly for a uniform wreath appearance.
- Let the Brie cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from oozing out too soon.
- Fresh rosemary adds both a festive look and aromatic flavor but can be substituted with thyme if preferred.
- This appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider.
