Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath That Steals the Holiday Table

Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Chef Josie

There is something undeniably magical about a warm, melty, golden appetizer arriving at the table during the holidays. This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath blends flaky crescent dough, creamy brie, tart cranberries, and fragrant rosemary to create a stunning centerpiece fit for any celebration. Whether you are gathering for Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas, hosting a Friendmas Dinner, or searching for festive Holiday Party Dinner Ideas, this wreath brings elegance and comfort in every bite.

My first encounter with a baked brie wreath happened by accident. A friend arrived at our holiday gathering holding a tray that instantly caught everyone’s attention. The warm smell of buttery pastry filled the room while cranberries glistened like jewels over molten brie. People reached for seconds before the tray even hit the table. Since then, this Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath has become a treasured part of my Christmas Menu Ideas and one of the most requested appetizers I make each year.

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Why You Will Love This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath

• A visually stunning centerpiece for Holiday Dinner Recipes
• Quick to assemble and ideal for Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas
• Combines sweet, savory, creamy, and flaky textures
• Perfect for Christmas Supper Ideas and Christmas Dinner Ideas Family
• Ideal for Holidays Food Ideas Thanksgiving or New Year gatherings
• Uses simple ingredients but delivers gourmet flavor
• Works beautifully as both an appetizer and a side dish for Xmas Recipes Dinner

Ingredients Breakdown

• Crescent roll dough: The base that creates the light, flaky wreath shape
• Brie cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a creamy, rich center
• Cranberries: Fresh or dried, they add tartness that balances the richness
• Walnuts or pecans: Add crunch and depth
• Rosemary: Provides holiday aroma and color
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness that ties everything together
• Egg wash: Helps the wreath turn perfectly golden

Substitutions

• Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a more buttery texture
• Replace cranberries with raspberries or apricot jam
• Swap nuts for pistachios for a festive green color
• Add roasted garlic for a savory twist

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange crescent dough triangles in a circle, overlapping slightly to create a wreath base.
3. Place small slices of brie around the inner ring of the dough.
4. Sprinkle cranberries and chopped nuts evenly over the brie.
5. Drizzle lightly with honey and add fresh rosemary leaves.
6. Fold the dough tips over the filling and tuck them underneath to secure.
7. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
8. Bake until the wreath turns deep golden and the brie begins to melt.
9. Rest for a few minutes before serving to help the cheese settle.

Notes and Top Tips

• Keep the brie chilled while slicing to maintain clean cuts
• Do not overload the filling or the wreath may open while baking
• For stronger rosemary flavor, mix chopped rosemary into the filling
• For a sweeter version, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce before folding
• Serve warm, not piping hot, so the cheese stays creamy and scoopable
• For Christmas Meal Ideas, prepare the wreath ahead of time and bake right before guests arrive

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Ideas

• Pair with crackers, sliced apples, or a cheese board
• Serve alongside roasted meats for Christmas Food Ideas For Dinner
• Add to a holiday brunch spread for a Fun Christmas Dinner twist
• Include in Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas as a shareable starter

Variations

• Maple pecan version: Replace honey with maple syrup
• Spicy cranberry version: Add a spoonful of pepper jelly
• Savory garlic version: Add minced garlic and caramelized onions
• Herb lover’s version: Mix thyme and rosemary for deeper flavor

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for two days
• Reheat in the oven at 300 degrees until warm and melty
• Do not microwave as it may make the pastry soggy
• Prepare the wreath ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours
• Freeze unbaked for up to one month and bake from frozen

Why You Will Make It Again

This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is one of the most elegant yet simple recipes you can bring to your holiday table. With its golden crust, creamy cheese, and festive cranberry topping, it stands out among the Best Christmas Meals and adds a touch of sophistication to any gathering. If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a rating and comment below. Explore more Holiday Food Ideas Thanksgiving and Christmas Menu Ideas on the blog.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the full wreath and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

Can I use a full wheel of brie instead of slices?
Yes. Place the wheel in the center, wrap dough around it, and build the wreath shape around the edge.

What can I use instead of crescent dough?
Puff pastry works beautifully and gives a more buttery, flaky texture.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Keep the filling away from the outer edges and press the dough firmly to seal each fold.

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