Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath: A Holiday Staple

Okay, friend, let’s chat about one of my absolute favorite holiday appetizers – the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. Seriously, just saying the name makes my mouth water! I remember the first time I made this; it was Thanksgiving, years ago, and I was trying to impress my in-laws. Let’s just say the “perfectly round wreath” I envisioned ended up looking more like a lopsided spaceship. But you know what? Everyone devoured it! The warm, melty brie, the tart cranberries, the flaky crescent rolls… it was a symphony of flavors that had everyone reaching for more.

That’s when I realized that even if my holiday wreath appetizer wasn’t picture-perfect, the taste was all that mattered. Since that day, this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath has become a staple at every holiday gathering. It’s surprisingly easy to throw together, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million other things.

There was one Christmas where I forgot the cranberry sauce. Total panic! I ended up using some raspberry jam I had in the fridge, and guess what? It was a hit! That’s the beauty of cooking, right? You learn to adapt and sometimes, those happy accidents turn into new family favorites. This recipe also works great using my air fryer recipe. You can follow my air fryer cranberry brie bites recipe as inspiration!

Honestly, this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is one of those dishes that just makes me happy. The smell alone, baking in the oven, fills the house with such a warm, comforting aroma. The best part? It’s something I can easily whip up even on a busy weeknight when we have guests coming over. I hope this inspires you to make your own Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath this holiday season. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I have also made this with pumpkin pie filling. Check out my Pumpkin Pie Crescents Recipe. I bet you and your family will love it just as much! It’s really a simple dish but I hope you will give it a try.

What You’ll Need for This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath:

2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: I always go for the name brand here; I find they puff up better for my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
8 ounces Brie cheese: Get the good stuff! A nice, creamy Brie is key. When making my Brie crescent wreath appetizer, I prefer a double-cream Brie for extra richness.
1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine too. When making my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath, I often use whole-berry cranberry sauce for a bit of texture.
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a nice crunch!
1 egg, beaten: For that golden-brown finish.
1 tablespoon milk: To mix with the egg for an even shinier glaze.

For the brie, I always try to find it on sale – it can be a bit pricey, you know? When making this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath, check the cheese section at your local grocery store; sometimes they have smaller wedges that are perfectly sized.

Here’s a Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath trick I learned from my grandma: lightly toast the nuts before adding them. It brings out their flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the baked brie recipe. You can find crescent roll dough in the refrigerated section of almost any grocery store.

If you happen to have leftover brie after making your easy Christmas appetizer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’s also great with crackers or in a grilled cheese! Fried Brie Bites are also another great way to serve your leftover brie! And for cost-saving tips, keep an eye out for sales on crescent rolls around the holidays – that’s when I stock up for my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.

Let’s Make This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Together

Okay, friend, let’s get our hands dirty and make this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath together! I promise, it’s easier than it looks.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze!
Unroll one package of crescent roll dough. Separate the triangles. Arrange them in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center. This forms the base of your wreath. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath isn’t perfectly round; it’ll still taste amazing!
Cut the Brie into small pieces. Spread the Brie evenly over the crescent roll dough. I learned the hard way with Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath that if the brie is too thick, it doesn’t melt properly.
Spoon the cranberry sauce over the Brie. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if using. I love the combination of sweet and savory in my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
Unroll the second package of crescent roll dough. Separate the triangles and arrange them over the Brie and cranberry mixture, with the wide ends overlapping in the center, covering the filling. Tuck the ends of the dough under the first layer of dough to seal the wreath. In my kitchen, this usually takes me about 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the mixture over the entire surface of the wreath. This gives it that beautiful golden-brown color!
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the Brie is melted. Your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath should smell like warm pastry and sweet cranberries. Oh my!
Let the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath cool slightly before serving. This prevents the filling from being too runny.
Carefully transfer the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.

While the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or put on some holiday music. It helps get me in the festive spirit! Sometimes I also start preparing my next appetizer recipe for the party. A family-tested Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath shortcut: buy pre-cut brie! It saves so much time. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of orange zest to the cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor in your easy Christmas appetizer! If you want a more in-depth recipe, check out this one!

How I Love to Serve This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

Now for the best part – serving this delicious Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath! My family loves this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath when I serve it warm, right out of the oven. The melty brie and tangy cranberries are just irresistible.

I usually serve it with a variety of crackers, sliced apples, and pears. The crisp fruit provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Brie crescent wreath appetizer. A simple green salad also pairs well with this dish, adding a bit of freshness. This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

For presentation, I like to place the wreath on a festive platter and garnish it with fresh rosemary sprigs. It adds a touch of elegance to my holiday wreath appetizer. If you have extra Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath (which is rare!), you can store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven or microwave. Although it’s definitely best served fresh.

I have even tried making individual Cranberry Brie pastry bites instead of a wreath for smaller gatherings. And for a seasonal variation, try using fig jam instead of cranberry sauce in the fall. Friends always ask for this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath recipe – it’s that good! I promise you, everyone will want a bite.

Your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about making this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath! I will answer any questions you may have about this Brie, Cranberry & Toasted Hazelnut Wreath!

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie in my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: Absolutely! While I love the creamy texture of Brie, you can definitely experiment. Camembert would be a great substitute. You know what I do when my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath runs out of brie? I sometimes use cream cheese if I don’t have brie on hand!

Q: My crescent rolls are browning too quickly. What should I do when I make my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: This happens to me too! Tent the wreath loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking. That will prevent it from getting too dark. It is also a great tip when making a Holiday wreath appetizer.

Q: Can I make the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath ahead of time?

A: You can assemble it ahead of time, but I recommend baking it right before serving for the best results. If you must make it ahead, underbake it slightly and then reheat it before serving.

Q: What if my cranberry sauce is too tart for my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: Add a little bit of sugar or honey to the cranberry sauce to sweeten it up. Taste as you go until you reach your desired level of sweetness. My family doesn’t really mind the tartness.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling of my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: Of course! Get creative! Some people like to add chopped apples, pears, or even prosciutto to their Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. It is best to use the type of fillings that you enjoy!

Q: My wreath is sticking to the baking sheet. What should I do when I make my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I once forgot to do this and had to spend ages scraping the wreath off the pan – not fun!

Q: Can I freeze the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: I don’t recommend freezing the assembled wreath, as the crescent rolls can become soggy. However, you can freeze the baked wreath. Thaw it completely and then reheat it in the oven. This baked brie recipe is better enjoyed fresh!

My Final Thoughts on This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents family, togetherness, and delicious food shared during the holidays. It’s a dish that always brings a smile to everyone’s face, and it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.

My Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Pro Tips:

Use high-quality Brie: The better the Brie, the better the wreath!
Don’t overfill the wreath: Too much filling will make it difficult to seal and bake evenly.
Brush with egg wash: This ensures a golden-brown, shiny crust.

I’ve tried several variations of this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. Once I added a layer of fig jam, and everyone loved it. Another time, I used different types of nuts, like macadamia nuts, for a unique twist. My husband loves the traditional version with pecans, while my daughter prefers it with walnuts.

I really hope you try making this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath for your family and friends this holiday season. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, and it’s so much fun to make together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature version.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories. So, relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process. You can do it! Happy baking, my friend, and I hope you create some amazing memories with your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. It will be the best Holiday wreath appetizer you will make this holiday season!

Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

Print Recipe

This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is an elegant and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky crescent dough, creamy brie, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce combine for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
1 (14 ounce) can cranberry sauce
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a circle, with the wide ends overlapping slightly in the center and the pointed ends facing outwards.
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crescent dough.
Sprinkle the cubed brie cheese over the cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with nuts, if using.
Carefully fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough triangles over the filling, tucking them under the overlapping dough in the center to form a wreath shape.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the crescent wreath.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Notes

Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish. For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce.