Easy Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath (The Ultimate 20-Minute Holiday Appetizer)

When it comes to holiday entertaining, everyone wants something impressive, festive, and unbelievably easy to make. That’s where the Easy Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath becomes an instant game-changer. This stunning pull-apart appetizer looks like it came straight from a bakery window, yet it’s made with just a handful of ingredients and requires very little hands-on time. Imagine buttery crescent dough wrapped around creamy melted Brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, then baked into a gorgeous holiday wreath — it’s the kind of recipe that disappears the moment it hits the table.

Whether you need a last-minute appetizer for Thanksgiving, a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve, or even a winter brunch, this recipe has become a beloved favorite because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those dishes that feels gourmet but is secretly simple. Guests will hover around it, pulling off warm, cheesy triangles and dipping them into the shiny pools of cranberry filling. And the aroma of baked bread with fragrant rosemary makes your home smell like a holiday dream.

In this full guide, you’ll find everything you need — the detailed recipe, technique tips, variations, serving suggestions, and even a bit of holiday foodie fun. My goal is to make sure you feel confident and excited to bake this stunning yet easy appetizer.

Let’s dive into what makes the Easy Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath so irresistible.


Why This Wreath Works Perfectly

✔ Crescent Dough = Foolproof and Flaky

Canned crescent dough creates perfectly uniform triangles that bake into a beautiful wreath with no shaping skills required.

✔ Brie Melts Like a Dream

Brie’s soft creaminess adds a luxurious texture that elevates the simple dough, making every bite indulgent.

✔ Cranberry Sauce Adds Balance

A pop of sweetness and tartness cuts through the richness of the cheese, giving the wreath a seasonal flavor profile.

✔ Guaranteed Holiday “WOW” Effect

Its shape alone makes guests say, “Did you really make that yourself?”


Ingredients

For the Crescent Wreath

  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 wheel of Brie (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Extra rosemary sprigs for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Form the Wreath Base

  1. Unroll both cans of crescent dough.
  2. Arrange the triangles in a large circle with the wide ends toward the center, overlapping slightly.
  3. The points should face outward to resemble a sunburst or wreath.

3. Add Brie and Cranberry

  1. Add Brie cubes around the inner ring of the dough.
  2. Spoon cranberry sauce over the Brie pieces.
  3. Sprinkle chopped rosemary over the filling.

4. Fold and Seal

  1. Fold each dough point inward over the filling and tuck underneath.
  2. Continue until the entire ring is closed.

5. Finish and Bake

  1. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden shine.
  2. Bake 18–22 minutes or until deep golden brown and melted inside.
  3. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.

Easy Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath

A festive pull-apart crescent wreath filled with creamy Brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday entertaining.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 10 pieces
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Crescent Wreath
  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 8 oz Brie cheese cut into cubes
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 egg beaten, for wash
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange crescent dough triangles in a circle with wide ends overlapping.
  3. Add Brie cubes and cranberry sauce around the inner ring of the dough.
  4. Sprinkle rosemary and fold dough tips over the filling.
  5. Brush with egg wash and bake 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Cool slightly, garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve warm.

Notes

Best served fresh out of the oven. Brie rind is edible and helps hold shape.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overload the Filling

Brie melts significantly. Too much cheese can leak from the dough.

Use Whole-Berry Cranberry Sauce

It holds texture better than jellied cranberry.

Cube the Brie with the Rind On

The rind helps the cheese hold shape and prevents excessive melting.

Rotate the Pan Midway

This ensures even browning.


Variations

Pepper Jelly Brie Wreath

Swap cranberry with sweet-heat pepper jelly for a spicy twist.

Apple Brie Wreath

Use thinly sliced apples sautéed in cinnamon and butter.

Savory Herb & Garlic Wreath

Replace cranberry with roasted garlic cloves and herbs.

Puff Pastry Version

For an ultra-flaky upgrade, substitute crescent dough with puff pastry strips.


Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce.
  • Add crackers or sliced baguette on the side.
  • A drizzle of honey makes it magical.
  • Pair with sparkling cider, champagne, or mulled wine.

Fun Fact:

Wreath-shaped breads date back centuries as symbols of welcome, prosperity, and seasonal celebration — making this appetizer not just delicious but delightfully symbolic for the holidays.