Description
This Brie & cranberry wreath is a delightful, festive pastry perfect for sharing. Featuring a flaky puff pastry base layered with tangy cranberry sauce, creamy vegetarian brie, and crunchy roasted hazelnuts, it is baked to golden perfection and garnished with herbs for an elegant touch. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- ½ x 500g puff pastry block
- Plain flour, for dusting
- 1 egg, beaten
Fillings and Toppings
- 4 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 150g vegetarian brie, sliced into 1cm-thick rectangles
- 2 tbsp roasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- Micro herbs or salad leaves, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pastry: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6, placing a large baking sheet inside to heat up. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 5mm thickness.
- Cut Pastry Circles and Triangles: Cut out a 30cm diameter circle from the pastry. Then, score a smaller, 10cm diameter circle in the centre of the larger circle. From the center of the inner circle, cut eight triangles that extend to the scored line, but do not cut them out completely, so the triangles remain attached to the pastry. Transfer the pastry onto a piece of parchment paper.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce: Stir the cranberry sauce to loosen it, then spread it evenly over the pastry between the scored inner circle and the outer edge of the large circle.
- Arrange Brie and Hazelnuts: Lay the brie slices in a line on top of the cranberry sauce, leaving a 5cm border around the edge of the pastry. Sprinkle the chopped roasted hazelnuts over the brie slices.
- Fold Pastry Edges and Triangles: Fold the outer edge of the pastry halfway over the brie, brushing the folded edge with some of the beaten egg to help it stick. Then, fold each pointed triangle over to meet the folded edge, creating a wreath shape.
- Brush and Season: Brush the entire pastry wreath with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle dried mixed herbs evenly over the top.
- Bake the Wreath: Carefully transfer the wreath on the parchment paper onto the preheated baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie has melted.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the wreath from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with micro herbs or salad leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- If you have leftover pastry from trimming, you can bake it separately with some herbs for crispy pastry crisps.
- Ensure the pastry is cold while working with it to maintain flakiness.
- Vegetarian brie can be substituted with regular brie if preferred.
- This wreath is best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts in the pastry for neat folding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Brie wreath, cranberry sauce, vegetarian appetizer, puff pastry recipe, festive snack, party food, baked brie, holiday appetizer
