Description
This Brie Cheese and Cranberry Christmas Wreath is a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring creamy Brie cheese encircled with flaky puff pastry and topped with sweet cranberry sauce, this dish combines savory and sweet flavors in a delightful presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 round Brie cheese
Fruit Topping
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
Other
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the puff pastry to a golden perfection.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Strips: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into strips, which will be used to wrap around the cheese creating the wreath shape.
- Place Brie on Baking Sheet: Position the round Brie cheese in the center of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Generously spread the cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie cheese, adding the sweet and tart flavor layer that will complement the creamy cheese.
- Wrap with Pastry Strips: Carefully wrap the puff pastry strips around the Brie and cranberry sauce to form a wreath shape, ensuring the strips slightly overlap and cover the edges of the cheese.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the wrapped pastry with the beaten egg to provide a shiny, golden finish as it bakes.
- Bake Wreath: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown, and the cheese is warmed and melty inside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh rosemary to add color and a pleasant aroma before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling out to prevent cracking.
- Use full-fat Brie cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Fresh rosemary not only adds garnish but also enhances the aroma; you can substitute with thyme if preferred.
- If desired, add chopped nuts such as pecans between the Brie and cranberry sauce for extra texture.
- Serve warm for the best gooey and flavorful experience.
- To prevent the cranberry sauce from running out, leave a small border of cheese exposed before wrapping with pastry.
