Brie and Cranberry Wreath

Indulge in holiday magic with my brie and cranberry biscuit wreath! Flaky biscuits hug a gooey brie center, adorned with a swirl of tangy cranberry sauce. A drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of herbs, and a dash of love make this wreath a festive, flavorful centerpiece that's sure to steal the show!

Ingredients To Make A Brie and Cranberry Wreath

Head to your refrigerator and pantry to grab these readily available ingredients for making your baked brie biscuit wreath!

• Brie: The star of the show. A round of brie adds a warm, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Cranberry Sauce: Infuses a burst of tart sweetness, creating a festive flavor profile perfect for the holidays. I recommend using a relish-style sauce, bought or homemade, as opposed to the jellied kind (because it mixes in with the brie easier).
• Honey: Drizzled over the brie and cranberry just before serving, it adds a touch of sweetness and dept to the flavor.
• Canned Refrigerator Biscuits: An easy shortcut that'll make your preparations easy, they provide a flaky, golden container that encases the spread.
• Unsalted Butter: Brushed over the biscuits, it adds a golden finish and richer flavor.
• Dried Parsley: Added to the melted butter for a pop of color and a hint of earthiness, elevating the visual appeal and taste.
• Dried Rosemary: Infuses a subtle pine-like aroma, enhancing the wreath's fragrance and adding depth to the flavor. Using a few fresh sprigs as a garnish before serving would be really nice, too!
• Salt and Pepper: Balances the sweetness of the cranberry and honey, resulting in a well-seasoned dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions For How To Make A Brie Biscuit Wreath

Here's a general overview of what you'll be doing to create this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for specifics!

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to get things toasty.
2. Prepare Biscuits: Cut biscuits in half and pinch together into balls for the base of your wreath. You might cut some halves into fourths for smaller bites or to make a second layer of the wreath.
3. Prepare Pan: Crumple up some parchment paper, flatten it out again, and put it on a large baking sheet.
4. Buttery Brush: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, parsley, and rosemary.
5. Brie Centerpiece: Place brie in the center of parchment after cutting off the top rind with a sharp knife.
6. Wreath Formation: Arrange the biscuits in a ring (or rings) around the skillet's edge. Brush biscuits with melted butter mixture. Season entire wreath with salt and pepper
7. First Bake: Bake until the brie starts to get melty, 8 to 10 minutes.
8. Cranberry Time: Add cranberry sauce atop the brie. Spread.
9. Melt and Merge: Back into the oven it goes! Melt the brie for an additional 5 to 7 minutes and until the biscuits are nice and golden.
10. Honey Drizzle: A sweet finale! Drizzle honey over your masterpiece and serve piping hot. Enjoy your brie and cranberry wreath - your guests will love it, too!

Best Cranberry Sauce to Use With Baked Brie

When whipping up your baked brie biscuit wreath, the choice between homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce is yours, but steer clear of the jellied variety. While homemade brings a personal touch and unique flavor profile, and store-bought offers convenience, jellied sauce tends to be too firm and doesn't integrate smoothly with the melted brie. Opt for whole berry or chunky cranberry sauce instead; their textures blend seamlessly, ensuring you get the perfect ratio of cheese to cranberry sauce with each scoop.

I always use the awesome homemade cranberry sauce that my besties share every year. Try it!

Canned Biscuits vs. Homemade Biscuits

The beauty of our brie and cranberry biscuit wreath lies in its simplicity, and canned refrigerator biscuits play a starring role in the ease of preparation. However, if you're feeling a homemade vibe, go for it! Just ensure your homemade biscuit recipe aligns with the recommended baking time and temperature of this dish. You don't want biscuits that are underdone or overdone! Whether from a can or your mixing bowl, this easy appetizer is a delectable treat.

Does The Type of Brie Cheese Matter?

Brie cheese comes in various types, offering a spectrum of flavors and textures to suit diverse palates. Here are some varieties you might see:

1. Classic Brie: Creamy and mild, classic brie boasts a velvety texture with a delicate, buttery taste.
2. Double or Triple Cream Brie: Extra indulgent, these variations have added cream content, resulting in an even richer and creamier texture.
3. Herbed Brie: Infused with herbs like thyme or rosemary, herbed brie adds an extra layer of flavor to the creamy base.
4. Brie with Fruits or Nuts: Some brie wheels come coated with fruits, such as cranberries or figs, or adorned with a layer of nuts, providing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
5. Artisanal Brie: Handcrafted by skilled cheesemakers, artisanal brie often features unique flavor profiles and textures, reflecting the craft and creativity of the maker.

When it comes to this particular recipe, though, don't go for the super fancy stuff. This fun appetizer is meant to be simple, quick, and inexpensive, so don't plan to pay more than $5-$8 on an ~8-ounce round of brie.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftovers

If you're serving this appetizer at a holiday party, it's not likely that you'll have leftovers. BUT, if you do, here's how to store them.

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover biscuits and brie separately, each in their own airtight container and in the refrigerator.

Reheating Leftovers: You can nuke both the brie and the biscuits in the microwave for quick snacking, though to get some crisp returned to the biscuits, I recommend returning them to a 350 degree oven for a few minutes - watch them closely- for the best result.

Fun Additions and Variations

Change some things up to vary how your biscuit wreath comes out!

1. Nuts: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a delightful crunch.
2. Fruit Preserves: Fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry compote instead of cranberry sauce can be a fun variation.
3. Citrus Zest: A hint of citrus zest, like orange or lemon, can brighten up the flavors.
4. Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds depth and sweetness.
5. Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries, apricots, or figs offer a chewy texture and sweet notes.
6. Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds a savory and smoky element.

Mix and match these ingredients to create your own signature baked brie creation!

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