Easy Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath: Delightful Holiday Appetizer

Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath: A Holiday Delight

Okay, here we go! Let’s dive into one of my go-to recipes for bringing a little comfort and joy to the table: a Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. Remember that holiday season where you were trying to juggle ALL the things? School plays, gift shopping, family visits… and somewhere in there, you’re supposed to whip up a Pinterest-worthy appetizer? Yeah, I’ve been there.

That’s when I discovered the magic of the Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. A friend brought it to a holiday gathering, and I was instantly hooked. It looked fancy, but she assured me it was incredibly simple. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and flaky crescent rolls was a total win! My family devoured it, and it became a tradition ever since. The best part? It’s a total comfort food win without the crazy stress.

Since then, it’s been my mission to perfect this recipe and share it with other busy moms. I tweaked it a little here and there, adding my own personal touches. It’s become a family favorite, requested every year. This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath truly brings our family together. I’m excited to share my version with you! If you are looking for a simple yet delightful appetizer, this recipe is for you. Trust me, fellow busy moms, this is a recipe that will bring smiles to your faces without keeping you in the kitchen all day!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need to create this delightful Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. It’s all about keeping things simple and accessible! Get ready to create this Cranberry Brie Appetizer!

Ingredients for making a Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: These are the base of our wreath, creating that flaky, golden crust. You can find these in the refrigerated section of any grocery store.
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese: The star of the show! Its creamy, mild flavor pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries. Feel free to use a double or triple cream brie for an extra decadent Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Use store-bought for ultimate convenience, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. If you like a little extra zing, add a pinch of orange zest to your cranberry sauce! This adds another depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. If nuts aren’t your thing, you can skip them or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
  • 1 egg, beaten: This will give our wreath a beautiful golden-brown sheen. You can also use a little milk or cream if you don’t have an egg on hand.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter: This adds richness and helps the wreath brown evenly. I sometimes use olive oil for a lighter version, but butter gives the best flavor in my opinion!
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish): Adds a festive touch and a hint of earthy flavor. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, a sprinkle of dried rosemary works in a pinch for your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
  • Honey or maple syrup (for drizzling, optional): A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries.

Trust me, this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! This Cranberry Brie Appetizer proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, and that is a win in my book! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of brown sugar to the brie before baking. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, comfort seekers, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own stunning (and delicious!) Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. This Easy Christmas Appetizer will be a hit!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, parchment paper is my best friend in the kitchen!
  2. Unroll the crescent roll dough. Separate the triangles. On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circle, with the pointed ends facing outwards. Overlap the wide ends slightly to form a continuous ring. This forms the base of your wreath.
  3. Prepare the brie. If using a whole wheel of brie, you can either leave it whole or slice it in half horizontally. If using pre-cut brie, simply arrange the pieces in the center of the crescent roll ring.
  4. Add the cranberry sauce. Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the brie. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. Remember, this Cranberry Brie Appetizer can be fully customizable, so don’t worry if you want to add more or less!
  5. Fold the crescent roll points over the brie. Gently fold each crescent roll triangle over the brie and cranberry mixture, tucking the point under the ring to create a wreath shape.
  6. Brush with egg wash. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it evenly over the crescent roll dough. This will give your wreath a beautiful golden-brown color. Then, brush with melted butter.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the brie is melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath – learn from my experience!
  8. Garnish and serve. Once baked, remove the wreath from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath usually takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. While your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Don’t worry if your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath looks a little rustic – that’s part of its charm! Your Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath should smell amazing by now! This Baked Brie with Cranberries is a delicious holiday treat that everyone will enjoy. It will be so nice to have a Holiday Appetizer Recipe that everyone asks about.

How We Love to Eat This!

The best part about this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is how versatile it is! Here’s how my family enjoys it, along with some ideas to inspire you. You will find so many ways to enjoy your Cranberry Brie Appetizer!

We love to serve this warm Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath as an appetizer for holiday gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! The kids devour this comforting Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath when I serve it with apple slices and crackers. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy is irresistible. For a simple side dish, I often pair it with a light salad or a bowl of soup. It’s the perfect comfort food combination!

This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is also fantastic for a cozy night in. We love to curl up on the couch with a movie and enjoy a slice (or two!) with a glass of wine. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning to the top before baking. It adds a savory, umami flavor that’s surprisingly delicious! It’s a simple way to enjoy this Cranberry Brie Appetizer.

This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I’ve even been known to make it for a quick and easy lunch. Leftovers (if there are any!) are great reheated or enjoyed cold. I love to crumble them over a salad or use them as a filling for a grilled cheese sandwich. For a seasonal variation, try using different types of fruit preserves instead of cranberry sauce. Apricot, fig, or raspberry preserves would all be delicious!

My friend raved about this Brie, Cranberry & Toasted Hazelnut Wreath recipe. What a special occasion treat!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions, so I’ve compiled a list of the most common ones I get about this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath. Let’s get those answered!

Q: Is this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath really filling enough for growing kids?

A: Absolutely! While it’s technically an appetizer, the combination of cheese, carbs, and fruit makes it surprisingly satisfying. I often serve it with a side of fruit or vegetables to make it a more complete meal.

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath?

A: I get it! Picky eaters can be tough. Start by letting them try a small piece of the crescent roll dough on its own. Then, offer them a tiny bit of the brie and cranberry mixture. Sometimes, just getting them to taste the individual components can make them more willing to try the whole thing. You can also customize it by leaving off the cranberry sauce on a portion of the wreath for them.

Q: Can I meal prep this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath for busy weeks ahead?

A: You can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. The cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance. You can also chop the nuts and measure out the spices. However, I recommend assembling and baking the wreath fresh for the best results.

Q: Can I substitute the brie cheese with something else?

A: While brie is the classic choice, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I prevent the crescent roll dough from burning?

A: Keep a close eye on the wreath while it’s baking. If the dough starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Q: Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even pistachios would all be delicious.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

A: Go for it! Some other delicious additions include chopped apples, pears, or dried cranberries. Make this a recipe to enjoy as a Cranberry Brie Appetizer!

I have a feeling if you like this, you will also like my Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Bites recipe. It is so good! For another variation of this holiday treat, see this Cranberry and Brie Wreath (Easy Holiday Appetizer)!

Final Thoughts:

This Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort, joy, and a little bit of magic to your family’s table. I created this with a few simple steps and ingredients. It supports my family’s comfort food goals by being simple to make. It is also something that everyone enjoys! It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It is the perfect Holiday Appetizer Recipe to share! Your family will thank you for your delicious Cranberry Brie Appetizer.

Delicious Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

My Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Comfort Hacks:

  • Use store-bought cranberry sauce: Saves time and tastes just as delicious!
  • Don’t stress about perfection: A rustic-looking wreath is just as charming as a perfectly formed one.
  • Get the kids involved: Let them help arrange the crescent roll triangles or sprinkle the nuts.

Family-Tested Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath Variations:

  • Apple-Cinnamon: Substitute the cranberry sauce with apple pie filling and add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Spinach-Artichoke: Spread a layer of spinach-artichoke dip over the crescent roll dough before adding the brie.
  • Pesto-Tomato: Use pesto instead of cranberry sauce and add sliced tomatoes.

My son loves the apple-cinnamon version, while my daughter prefers the classic cranberry brie. No matter which version you choose, I hope this Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath brings your family together and creates lasting memories. Make it your own way and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and comforting for the people you love. I have another Cranberry recipe: check out my Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs.

I hope you found a recipe that you and your family will enjoy! You got this! If you love baked brie, you might also love fried brie bites!

 
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Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

Festive Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

This festive Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath is the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. Flaky crescent rolls are filled with creamy brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, then baked to golden perfection.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • 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, cut into cubes
  • 1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
  3. Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a circle, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends facing outwards.
  4. Spread the brie cubes evenly over the wide ends of the crescent rolls.
  5. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
  6. Bring the pointed ends of the crescent rolls up and over the filling, tucking them under the wide ends in the center to form a wreath shape.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the top of the wreath with the egg wash.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Let cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
  10. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry filling. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

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