The Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath is the ultimate festive appetizer—equal parts delicious, elegant, and comforting. Golden sourdough bites encase creamy melted brie and tart bursts of cranberry, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet in every pull-apart piece. Ideal for Christmas Snack Boards or Holiday Appetizers spreads, this showy wreath embodies everything we love about Christmas Cooking: warmth, flavor, and togetherness. In this post, you’ll discover the story behind this holiday favorite, the simple ingredients and steps to make it, creative ways to serve and style it, plus expert tips to ensure every bite feels like a celebration.
Memories of a Christmas Table Filled with Comfort and Flavor
I still remember the first Christmas I made the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath. The scent of freshly baked sourdough filled the kitchen as snow gently fell outside, and carols played softly in the background. It started as a simple idea—a way to merge my love for homemade bread with the festive flavors of cranberries and brie—and quickly became the centerpiece that stole the show. As we gathered around the table, each person pulling apart a warm, gooey piece, laughter filled the air. From that moment, this recipe earned a permanent place in our family’s list of Holiday Appetizers.
That’s the magic of Christmas Cooking: food that brings people closer, tells stories, and creates memories worth savoring. The pull-apart style invited everyone to share, while the jewel-red cranberries glistened like ornaments against the golden crust. Whether it graces a Christmas Snack Board or acts as a starter before a grand feast, this wreath represents exactly what the season is about—comfort, creativity, and a touch of homemade joy.
What makes the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath so special isn’t just its look—it’s the perfect marriage of texture and taste. Each sourdough bite offers a crisp exterior that gives way to molten brie and tangy cranberry filling, yielding festive harmony in a single mouthful. It’s the kind of dish that catches eyes the moment it’s placed on a Christmas Snack Board, instantly drawing guests in for a taste.
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Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A festive holiday appetizer featuring sourdough dough balls filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry filling, baked into a golden pull-apart wreath. Perfect for Christmas snack boards and holiday gatherings, this shareable dish combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Combine cranberries, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of water in a small saucepan and cook until thickened, 5–7 minutes; cool
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Divide room temperature sourdough dough into 20–24 balls
4. Flatten each ball, place a cube of brie and about 1/2 tsp cranberry mixture inside, then pinch edges to seal
5. Arrange filled dough balls in a circle on the baking sheet, leaving a central space
6. Brush dough with beaten egg or melted butter, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt, and drizzle with honey if desired
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and puffed
8. Let cool 10 minutes, transfer to a serving board, and garnish with rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pull-apart piece
Keywords: cranberry brie sourdough wreath, holiday appetizers, christmas snack board, christmas cooking, best christmas appetizers, christmas snacks savory, festive appetizer, pull-apart bread
This appetizer’s circular shape holds symbolic meaning too—representing unity, joy, and continuity, all central values of the holiday season. Its versatility also makes it one of the Best Christmas Appetizers: pair it with spiced jams for sweetness, or serve with herbed butters for richer, Christmas Snacks Savory perfection. Whether at a laid-back open house or an elegant dinner party, this wreath fits beautifully into any celebration, proving that festive food can be both artistic and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Festive Delight
Creating a beautiful Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath starts with a few simple yet high-quality ingredients. This list is designed to give you flexibility—whether you’re using ready-made sourdough or working from scratch, the result will still shine as one of your best Holiday Appetizers.
| Measurement | Ingredient | Quick Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb (about 450 g) | Sourdough dough | Use store-bought or homemade. Gluten-free dough can be substituted if needed. |
| 8 oz (225 g) | Brie cheese, cut into small cubes | Camembert or triple-cream cheese works too. Chill slightly before cutting for easier handling. |
| 1 cup | Fresh cranberries | Substitute dried cranberries soaked in orange juice for 10–15 minutes. |
| 2 tbsp | Brown sugar | Adds a subtle caramel sweetness to balance tart berries. |
| 1 tbsp | Honey or maple syrup | Optional glaze for extra shine and flavor. |
| 1 tbsp | Butter, melted | Brushing before baking helps achieve a golden-brown crust. |
| 1 tsp | Fresh rosemary, chopped | Enhances aroma—thyme or sage make good alternatives. |
| ¼ tsp | Sea salt | Highlights the cheese’s creaminess and balances sweetness. |
| 1 egg | Lightly beaten for egg wash | For browning; replace with plant milk for egg-free option. |
| Optional garnishes | Fresh rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries | For decorating your Christmas Snack Board after baking. |
Ingredient Quality Tips:
- Opt for fresh cranberries whenever possible; their color and tartness brighten the dish.
- If using dried cranberries, rehydrate them with warm water or citrus for juicier bites.
- Choose a mild brie so its creaminess melds beautifully with the tangy cranberry filling.
- For Christmas Cooking flair, stir in orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry mix.
This flexible, approachable ingredient list proves you don’t have to be a professional baker to create one of the Best Christmas Appetizers. With quality components and simple techniques, the payoff is spectacular.
Step-by-Step Preparation to Create the Pull-Apart Wreath
With your ingredients ready, it’s time to build and bake your Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath. These straightforward steps walk you from dough prep to final golden masterpiece.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet or circular pizza pan
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven-safe ramekin (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of water. Stir occasionally until cranberries soften and form a glossy mixture, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside to cool—it should be thick yet spoonable.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Dough
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. If using pre-made sourdough, let it come to room temperature. Divide it into 20–24 small dough balls for individual pull-apart bites.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Dough Balls
Flatten each ball in your palm, add a cube of brie and half a teaspoon of cranberry filling, then pinch edges to seal. Arrange sealed balls in a circular shape on the baking sheet, leaving space in the center to form a wreath. For presentation, place a ramekin in the middle for extra dip or brie later.
Step 4: Glaze and Season
Brush the wreath with beaten egg or melted butter, then sprinkle rosemary and sea salt. Drizzle honey or maple syrup for a glossy holiday finish if desired.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the dough turns deep golden brown and aromatic. Small bits of brie may caramelize around the edges—that’s where the flavor magic happens.
Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Let the wreath cool for 10 minutes so the cheese sets. Gently transfer it to a serving board, add rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries for decoration, and fill the ramekin (if used) with warm brie or cranberry sauce.
Pro Tip for Christmas Cooking: Assemble the wreath the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before guests arrive for an aromatic centerpiece that fills the home with holiday warmth.
Each golden pull-apart piece embodies the heart of Holiday Appetizers—rustic charm, cozy flavors, and effortless elegance that transform any table into something special.
How to Serve It on a Christmas Snack Board
Once your Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath emerges golden and fragrant from the oven, presentation is everything. Center it on a wooden board or marble platter with plenty of space for festive complements.
Surround the wreath with clusters of toasted nuts, fresh rosemary, and sugared cranberries to echo the filling’s ruby hues. Add grapes, sliced pears, or pomegranate seeds for natural color and sweetness. Play with heights: tall cracker stacks, bowls of jam, and sprigs of greenery for texture.
For extra Christmas Cooking flair, introduce savory sides—prosciutto ribbons, salami roses, wedges of smoked cheddar. Place small bowls of cranberry chutney, fig jam, or mustard between them for balanced flavors. Finish with fairy lights or candles to create a soft festive glow.
The pull-apart aspect encourages sharing, inviting everyone around the board to enjoy together. It’s a beautiful blend of flavor and connection—the essence of Holiday Appetizers.
Pairing Suggestions for Drinks and Sides
Drink pairings elevate this appetizer from delicious to unforgettable. Its rich brie and tangy cranberries pair best with bright, refreshing beverages.
- Sparkling wine or Champagne: The bubbles cut through richness and reset the palate.
- Hot mulled cider: A warming non-alcoholic option echoing Christmas Cooking spices.
- White wines: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay keep the flavor profile balanced.
- Holiday cocktails: Try rosemary gin fizz or cranberry spritz for a coordinated flavor theme.
Complementary sides include prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, baked camembert bites, and herb-roasted nuts. For a hint of sweetness, add fig jam or orange-cranberry chutney. If you’re designing a grazing table, position the wreath near crackers, crisps, and olives—its savory-sweet contrast anchors the spread.
Whether paired with bubbly drinks or cozy cider, this dish proves why it’s one of the Best Christmas Appetizers: stunningly versatile, festive, and irresistibly shareable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you make the Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking for best texture during busy Christmas Cooking days.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to keep the sourdough crisp and the brie melty. Avoid microwaving to preserve that perfect crusty texture found in the Best Christmas Appetizers.
Can you use other cheeses instead of brie?
Yes—Camembert, goat cheese, or triple-cream varieties melt beautifully. Mix with mild cheddar or fontina for added depth.
How can you make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a high-quality gluten-free bread or pizza dough and follow the same shaping method, adjusting bake times as needed. You’ll still enjoy every Christmas Snacks Savory bite.
How long does it stay fresh after baking?
Best enjoyed warm the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container for 8 hours or refrigerated up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
A Show-Stopping Holiday Appetizer Everyone Will Remember
The Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath captures everything that makes Holiday Appetizers special—comfort, flavor, and celebration. From golden crust to creamy cheese and bright cranberries, it blends simplicity with show-stopping beauty.
More than an appetizer, it embodies the joy of Christmas Cooking: sharing food, laughter, and cherished traditions. Bake it for family evenings or elegant dinners—it’s destined to become one of your Best Christmas Appetizers.
So this season, create your own Cranberry Brie Sourdough Pull-Apart Wreath. Let it take center stage among your Christmas Snacks Savory delights and bring warmth, aroma, and smiles to every gathering. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a festive memory waiting to happen.
