If you love creamy Brie and tart cranberry together, you are in for a treat! I’ve put together two super easy and tasty appetizers that are perfect for any gathering, big or small.
These recipes use simple ingredients and come together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying yourself. Whether you need a quick party snack or a beautiful holiday centerpiece, I have you covered with these Brie and cranberry ideas.
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Brie And Cranberry Pinwheels: Easy Party Appetizer
These little pinwheels are so simple to make and always a hit. Flaky pastry wraps around soft Brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, baking into perfect bite-sized snacks.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Puff Pastry Prep: Using pre-made puff pastry saves a lot of time and gives you that lovely flaky texture without effort.
- Chill Time Matters: After assembling, chill the roll briefly. This helps the pastry hold its shape better when you cut it and keeps the Brie from melting out too fast.
What You Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and diced
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
⏱️ Time: 25 mins🍽️ Yields: 16 pinwheels
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the diced Brie cheese over the cranberry. Gently roll the pastry sheet tightly from one long side to the other.
Step 3: Slice and Bake
Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces. Place them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
📝 Final Note
These pinwheels are best served warm, but they are still delicious at room temperature. You can freeze unbaked pinwheels to bake later!
Brie Cranberry Wreath: A Festive Centerpiece
This beautiful wreath combines warm, gooey Brie with bright cranberry sauce inside golden crescent roll dough. It looks impressive but is incredibly simple to put together for a special occasion.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Brie Placement: Keep the Brie wheel whole for a stunning presentation and a wonderfully gooey center when baked.
- Creative Toppings: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or a sprinkle of fresh rosemary before baking for extra texture and flavor.
What You Need
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
⏱️ Time: 35 mins🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Arrange the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll both cans of crescent dough onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outwards, creating a sun shape. Press the inner seams together to form a solid base.
Step 2: Fill the Wreath
Place the whole Brie wheel in the center of the dough circle. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the Brie. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts around the Brie.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Fold the point of each crescent roll triangle over the Brie and tuck it under the base at the center. Continue around the circle until a wreath shape is formed. Brush the entire wreath with the beaten egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the Brie is melted and bubbly.
📝 Final Note
Serve this wreath warm with crackers or baguette slices. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and gently reheated.