Hey there, friend! If you love hosting epic holiday gatherings but cringe at the thought of the same old cheese platter, I’ve got you covered with my all-time favorite twist on [christmas appetizers]. Imagine a warm, golden pull-apart bread shaped like a wreath, oozing melted brie and studded with sweet-tart cranberries—talk about an instant party magnet! I first whipped this up at my sister’s Christmas Eve bash, and trust me, guests practically attacked it (in the nicest way possible).
Whether you’re curating a lineup of Christmas Party Food Appetizers or hunting for simple Holiday Party Appetizers, this wreath steals the show. Ever wondered why pull-apart bread gets everyone in a feeding frenzy? It’s that satisfying “rip-and-share” vibe—plus, who doesn’t love a gooey cheese pull? FYI, this recipe counts as one of the easiest Holiday Appetizers Easy out there, and IMO it beats a plain old Christmas Charcuterie Board any day. Ready to level up your holiday menu? Let’s dive in! 🙂
Table of Contents
Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Wreath
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ bundt pan or coat with nonstick spray.
- Cut biscuit or brioche dough into quarters to create bite-size chunks.
- Spread a thin layer of cranberry jam on each dough piece.
- Place a cube of brie on top of each jam-covered piece.
- Stack pieces randomly into the prepared bundt pan to form a wreath shape.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top. Optionally sprinkle with sugar and flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and brie is melted.
- Let rest in the pan for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped rosemary or thyme. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients
- 1 package (about 1 lb) refrigerated bread dough (pizza dough or crescent-roll dough works)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Cooking spray or extra butter to grease the pan
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round bundt pan or a circular oven-safe dish with cooking spray or butter so nothing sticks when the wreath comes out.
- Toss Cranberries: In a medium bowl, mix cranberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and orange zest. This combo balances tartness and gives you that festive citrus kick.
- Cut & Layer Dough: Unroll the dough and cut it into 1½-inch squares—about 30–35 pieces. Keep them roughly the same size so the wreath bakes evenly.
- Assemble the Wreath: Start layering: place one dough square in your pan, top with a cube of brie, then a few sugared cranberries. Repeat, stacking squares, cheese, and berries until you fill the pan.
- Brush With Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the assembled dough. Sprinkle the remaining sugar and chopped rosemary (or thyme) for a fragrant herb finish.
- Bake: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re aiming for deeply golden edges and fully cooked dough—no one wants underdone bread!
- Cool Slightly: Let the wreath rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese settle so you get those epic pull-apart moments without making a cheesy lava mess.
- Invert & Dust: Carefully flip the pan onto a serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with powdered sugar to mimic snow on your wreath.
- Garnish: Add a few fresh rosemary sprigs or extra cranberries around the edges for a picture-perfect presentation.
- Serve Warm: Encourage guests to grab a piece by tearing off sections—this is peak Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods territory!
Variations
You don’t have to stop at brie and cranberries. Get creative with these twists:
- Spiced Maple Apple: Swap cranberries for thinly sliced apple and sprinkle with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. It tastes like apple pie in bread form!
- Savory Prosciutto & Pesto: Replace the Brie with mozzarella, add a small dollop of pesto, and tuck in prosciutto slices. Perfect for those less sweet Xmas Appetizers moments.
- Goat Cheese & Fig: Use goat cheese rounds and chopped dried figs. The tangy-sweet combo pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine.
Serving & Tips
This wreath is the star of any holiday spread—pair it with leftover turkey, ham, or a chilled glass of Prosecco. You can keep it on a lazy Susan alongside other Christmas Dinner Appetizers and it’ll still shine brighter than a string of lights.
Storage Tips: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked crisp. And hey, these bites double as awesome Christmas Snacks For Party fuel the next day—no judgment if you sneak a few in your pajamas.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a festive, friendly, and downright irresistible Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread Wreath. Every time I serve this at my own family’s Christmas Eve Appetizers lineup, someone always asks for the recipe on the spot—talk about a crowd-pleaser! So next time you’re scouring for fresh Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, remember this wreath. It’s simple, show-stopping, and made to be shared (or secretly devoured by you, no shame!).
FAQs
Can I prepare this wreath ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the wreath up to 4 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. This ensures even baking without a chilled center.
Can I use different cheese if I’m not a brie fan?
Yes! Substitute brie with camembert for a similar profile, or go bold with smoked gouda. Just cut it into cubes roughly the same size so the melty action stays consistent throughout your Holiday Party Appetizers.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any extra wreath in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey cheese pull.
Is this wreath suitable for vegetarians?
It sure is! As long as you choose a vegetarian-friendly cheese and dough, this recipe fits right into a meat-free menu. Pair it with fresh veggies and dips for a complete Holiday Appetizers Easy platter.
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