From the moment I laid eyes on the idea of a Brie Cheese Wreath, I knew this was a recipe worth chasing. That first test kitchen moment was pure joy—the creamy Brie nestled inside a circle of golden, flaky puff pastry, topped with nuts and a pop of fruit. It felt like a festive cheese board decoration with a story, ready to steal the show at any celebration. What really got me hooked was the way each bite balanced buttery richness with bright freshness. This Brie Cheese Wreath version shines because of those little bursts of flavor and texture that make it feel special without any complicated steps.
Now, this isn’t just another holiday cheese wreath to me—it’s a brie cheese appetizer that invites you to get creative and share smiles. The combination feels classic yet playful, perfect for gatherings big or small. And because the recipe is straightforward, it’s open to all kinds of tweaks depending on what you have in your kitchen. I’m excited for you to try it out and see how this brie cheese recipe can become your own little festive cheese platter superstar. Ready to bring a little wow to your table? This Brie Cheese Wreath is your golden ticket.
Gather These Ingredients:
For your Brie Cheese Wreath, you won’t need a ton of fancy stuff—just a handful of ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Here’s what I rely on when making this crowd favorite:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed but still cold) – This is your flaky, buttery base. Look for it in the frozen aisle, and I always grab a high-quality brand for the best puff.
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (around 8 ounces) – The creamy star. I like to pick one that’s ripe but not overly soft.
- 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty vibe. If you want to mix things up, try sliced almonds or even candied pecans for sweetness.
- 1/4 cup of your favorite fruit jam or preserves – Think fig, apricot, or cranberry to brighten things up. This gives your Brie Cheese Wreath that joyful contrast.
- 1 egg (beaten) – For that golden, shiny puff pastry finish.
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs – Adds a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with Brie.
Want to switch things up in your Brie Cheese Wreath? Try swapping the nuts for chopped pistachios or toasted hazelnuts. You can also play with the jam flavor—the apricot version is a personal favorite for that perfect sweet-tart balance.
Pro tip: If you’re in a pinch, pre-chopped nuts save time without losing crunch. For a shortcut, you can use store-bought puff pastry sheets that come pre-rolled. This Brie Cheese Wreath comes together with pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference.
Let’s Make This Happen!
Okay, fellow cooks—it’s time to bring your Brie Cheese Wreath to life! This fun recipe takes about 30 minutes in total, and I promise the effort is so worth it.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean and make cleanup a breeze.
- Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want it just a bit thinner than the package thickness—this helps with crispiness. Gently shape it into a large circle roughly 12 inches across.
- Transfer the pastry circle to your baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score a smaller circle inside the larger one about 3 inches from the edge—be careful not to cut all the way through! This line is what creates your wreath shape.
- Place the Brie cheese wheel right inside the scored circle. If your Brie has a thick rind and you want it softer, you can slice off the top rind, but I usually leave it on for that signature look.
- Spread your jam evenly over the Brie. This step is where the magic happens for your Brie Cheese Wreath—don’t skip it! The jam melts into the Brie during baking, balancing the richness perfectly.
- Sprinkle your chopped nuts all over the jam—and any optional herbs you want to add.
- Fold the outer ring of puff pastry over the edge of the Brie and jam, pressing lightly to seal gaps but leaving an open center.
- Brush the entire wreath with beaten egg for that beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Pop your Brie Cheese Wreath into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes—or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden, and you can smell those irresistible nutty, cheesy aromas filling your kitchen.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese firms up slightly. Meanwhile, prep your favorite crackers or slices of crusty bread for the perfect dipping partners.
You’ll know your Brie Cheese Wreath is ready when the pastry is golden, flaky, and the cheese underneath is warm and melty. If the puff pastry edges start browning too fast, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.
This recipe has gone through a few rounds in my kitchen, and I learned that chill time for the puff pastry before baking makes a big difference in texture. Also, using fresh nuts gives a crunchy contrast that I love, but candied nuts add a festive, sweet surprise worth trying.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!
My favorite way to slice into this Brie Cheese Wreath is right at a casual gathering. The ooey-gooey brie spreads effortlessly on crackers or toasted baguette slices, making it an instant hit.
This Brie Cheese Wreath pairs beautifully with a crisp green apple or pear slices, which add bright, juicy bursts. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving amps up the flavor, too.
For a festive cheese platter that wows, place the wreath in the center surrounded by cured meats, olives, and fresh grapes. It’s a crowd favorite and makes an impressive cheese board decoration for holiday parties.
Leftovers? Cover and refrigerate the Brie Cheese Wreath, and gently reheat in the oven to bring it back to that melty magic.
Serve this Brie Cheese Wreath alongside a glass of bubbly or a fruity red wine. It’s perfect for holiday entertaining, cozy weekend brunches, or as a brie cheese appetizer anytime you want to impress without stress.
If this recipe speaks to you, you’ll want to try my Cream Cheese Sausage Balls—another savory crowd-pleaser that’s fantastic for festive gatherings.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I prep this Brie Cheese Wreath in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble your Brie Cheese Wreath, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Then bake it fresh right before your event.
What can I use instead of puff pastry in this Brie Cheese Wreath?
I’ve experimented with phyllo dough for extra flakiness, though it requires more layers and butter. For a gluten-free twist, some bakers use a gluten-free pastry dough, but expect a different texture.
How do I scale this Brie Cheese Wreath recipe up or down?
The recipe is easily doubled by making two wreaths side by side. To downsize, use a smaller Brie wheel and adjust the puff pastry accordingly.
Can I add other toppings to this Brie Cheese Wreath?
Sure thing! Dried cranberries, chopped fresh herbs like thyme, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes add fun flavor twists.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Brie Cheese Wreath?
Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and melty again.
Can I freeze the assembled Brie Cheese Wreath?
You can freeze the unbaked wreath wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
What jams work best for this Brie Cheese Wreath?
I love fig and apricot jams for their balance of sweet and tangy. Cranberry jam adds a festive touch perfect for the holidays.
If you’re curious about more holiday cheese wreath ideas and cheese board decoration tips, check out this Facebook group with great charcuterie inspiration or browse a Baked Brie Cheese Board for more ideas. You may also enjoy holiday charcuterie board ideas and recipes shared by fellow food lovers.
My Final Take
This Brie Cheese Wreath recipe has found a cozy home on MilaBites because it hits that sweet spot of being impressive but doable. It’s a real recipe keeper—each time I make it, I’m reminded that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
My Top Brie Cheese Wreath Tips: Always chill your puff pastry before baking; use fresh, crunchy nuts for texture; and choose a jam that complements but doesn’t overpower the Brie.
I’ve tried versions with fig jam, apricot preserves, and cranberry sauce—each brings a unique vibe, but my top crowd-pleaser is the classic apricot and walnut combo. That mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy just can’t be beat.
Cooking is all about having fun with flavors, so don’t be afraid to swap nuts or try a spicy twist. This Brie Cheese Wreath remains my go-to festive cheese platter showstopper, especially when I want to add a little wow with minimal fuss.
If you loved this cheese-loving recipe, you might want to peek at my Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake or Brown Butter Cheesecake for sweet endings. And for savory bites, the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls always deliver.
I can’t wait to hear how your Brie Cheese Wreath turns out. Grab your ingredients, have fun, and get ready to share one seriously memorable brie cheese appetizer!
Brie Cheese Wreath
A festive Brie Cheese Wreath combining creamy brie, flaky puff pastry, and savory herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings and appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Using a round plate or bowl, cut out two circles from the puff pastry, about 9 inches in diameter.
- Place one puff pastry circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the wheel of Brie in the center of this pastry circle.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries, chopped nuts, rosemary, and thyme evenly over the Brie.
- Drizzle honey over the top of the Brie and toppings.
- Brush the edges of the pastry circle with beaten egg.
- Place the second puff pastry circle over the Brie and toppings, pressing the edges gently to seal.
- Cut small slits or leaf shapes around the outer edge of the top pastry to create a wreath effect.
- Brush the entire top with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with assorted crackers, fresh fruit, or crusty bread. For added flavor, try mixing a spoonful of fig jam inside the Brie before baking.