When it comes to hosting parties – dinner, cocktail, holiday – serving a variety of appetizers is my favorite thing to do. I enjoy being creative in the kitchen and offering bite size selections to my guests allows everyone to try different things. This Cranberry Brie Rosemary Wreath appetizer is beautiful when shared during the holidays with the vibrant red and green colors. Taking advantage of fresh cranberries and the fragrant sprigs of rosemary makes for festive presentation.

Cranberry Wreath

Yet, what I really love about this recipe is the ability to adjust the flavors using different jams, spreads or cheeses. Think cranberry sauce, cherry, orange marmalade or fig jam. I’ve made it with fresh apples and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Add whatever cheese that you enjoy with the recommendation that it is one that melts easily. You can use nuts if you want pairing flavors to your preference. The base of the wreath is made with Pillsbury Crescent Rolls which are so easy to work with.

To keep the shape of the wreath as you are building it, use a glass bowl in the center to keep each triangle even. Then, once you have each piece of crescent roll in place, remove the glass bowl. Now you can fold the jam and cheese in place sealing it so nothing comes out the sides. You will want to start at the tip of the crescent dough and fold it towards the center of the circle covering the cheese, jam and nuts. Seal it under the wide edge of the dough.

Before putting it in the oven, do an egg wash to give a golden color to the wreath. Once you have taken it out of the oven, drizzle honey over the whole wreath for a touch of sweetness.

You can decorate the Cranberry Brie Rosemary Wreath however you like. I used rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries which made it very festive for the holiday party I was going too. I baked the wreath and served it on a Hestan OvenBond Half Sheet Pan. Because it is a tri-ply (clad) pan, it bakes everything so evenly. Plus the tray looks beautiful to use on a table or buffet.

If you decide to make this recipe or in any flavor profile, I’d love to know what ingredients you choose.

Enjoy!

Cranberry Brie Rosemary Wreath Appetizer

A delicious and versatile appetizer that can be adjusted to include different jams or cheeses to result in a sweet or savory dish.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 50

Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

8 ounces cheese, brie or other variety
2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
3/4 cup jam, jelly, fruit spread
1 egg
2 tbsp honey, to drizzle
1/2 - 3/4 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
2 - 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 - 1 cup nuts, pecan or pistachio, roughly chopped, optional

Equipment

1 Baking sheet
1 small bowl to use for center of wreath
1 pastry brush

Method

Preheat oven to 375
Use parchment paper to line an oven safe baking sheet
Place small bowl in the center of the baking sheet, begin creating patter of crescent dough with wide part against the bowl and points near pan edges
Using a spoon, drop half a teaspoon jam at wide edge of dough by bowl.
Remove rind from cheese. Slice into 1 inch pieces. Top jam with a slice of cheese. If adding nuts, add on top of jam.
Remove bowl from design.
Starting with the point, roll over top of jam, cheese and nuts, tucking excess under the wide edge. Make sure to smooth out the sides so each crescent roll is as close to sealed on the sides as possible.
Beat egg with 1 tbsp of water. Brush wreath with egg wash.
Bake for 18-20 minutes at 375 degrees.
Drizzle honey over wreath. Add 1 tbsp chopped rosemary over top and use sprigs as decoration. Fill center with whole cranberries - and roughly chopped pistachios if desired.
Slice while warm. Enjoy!