Name: Heavenly Baked Brie Wreath: Warm, Gooey Holiday Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 package Pizza Dough (homemade or store-bought); 1 Tbsp Neutral Oil (for greasing); 1 stick Unsalted Butter (for flavor and browning); 8 oz. Brie Cheese (high-quality); 2 Tbsp Flat-Leaf Parsley (finely chopped); 1 Tbsp Rosemary (finely chopped); 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves; 1.5 tsp Lemon Zest (finely grated); 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste); 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt; 2 Tbsp Honey; 1.5 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

The aroma of freshly baked dough wafting through the kitchen always brings a smile to my face, especially during the holidays. This time, I’m excited to share my take on a festive classic: the Baked Brie Wreath. With just 10 minutes of prep, this interactive appetizer is not only incredibly easy to put together but also a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Imagine guests gathering around a warm, gooey brie wrapped in herby, crispy pizza dough, drizzled with honey for that perfect sweet-savory balance. It’s a delightful combination that is sure to impress everyone—bonus points for being crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly! So, are you ready to elevate your holiday spread with this show-stopping dish? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Is This Baked Brie Wreath a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Finest: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy holiday hosting!

Showstopper Appeal: The beautiful wreath shape draws everyone in, creating an inviting centerpiece that’s hard to resist.

Interactive Experience: Guests can dig in, pulling apart the warm dough to reveal gooey brie, creating a fun sharing atmosphere.

Flavor Fusion: The combination of herbs, honey, and brie produces a savory and sweet experience that excites the palate, giving you a delightful taste explosion.

Versatile Options: Easily customize by swapping in different cheeses or adding caramelized onions for extra layers of flavor. For more inspiration, check out my Baked Chicken Goujons or the Summer Grilled Burger for other delicious ideas.

Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party or casual get-together, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress your friends and family!

Baked Brie Wreath Ingredients

Get ready to create a holiday masterpiece with these essential ingredients.

For the Dough

Pizza Dough – This serves as the delicious structural base of your wreath; choose homemade or store-bought for added convenience.
Neutral Oil – Use this to grease your baking surface and keep everything from sticking.
Unsalted Butter (1 stick) – Richness is key! It helps brown and adds flavor to the dough.

For the Brie

Brie Cheese (8 oz.) – The star of the show! A high-quality brie melts beautifully, creating that gooey center we all love.

For the Herb Mix

Flat-Leaf Parsley (2 Tbsp, finely chopped) – Fresh and vibrant, it elevates the overall flavor; dried parsley works too if you’re in a pinch.
Rosemary (1 Tbsp, finely chopped) – Adds an earthy flavor that complements the brie magnificently. Fresh is ideal, but dried will suffice.
Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 Tbsp) – Provides aromatic notes to the dish.

For Flavor Enhancement

Lemon Zest (1.5 tsp, finely grated) – Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the brie perfectly.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (0.5 tsp) – Just a touch of heat to excite the taste buds; adjust to your spice preference.
Kosher Salt (0.5 tsp) – Essential for enhancing and bringing out the best flavors in your Baked Brie Wreath.

For the Glaze

Honey (2 Tbsp) – Adds that sweet touch that complements the savory brie, making every bite divine.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1.5 tsp) – Pairs beautifully with honey, introducing a bright flavor note that ties everything together.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Brie Wreath

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a large baking sheet with neutral oil to ensure the Baked Brie Wreath won’t stick. This will create a perfectly crisp base for your delicious creation. Make sure your ingredients are ready to go; this organized start sets the stage for a smooth, enjoyable cooking experience.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Then, using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips or shapes that will easily wrap around the brie. Visualize a wreath form, as these nice, even pieces will help create a beautiful presentation for your Baked Brie Wreath.

Step 3: Create the Herb Butter Mixture
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. This fragrant herb mixture will infuse your wreath with mouthwatering flavor, ensuring every bite of the Baked Brie Wreath is a taste sensation.

Step 4: Assemble the Wreath
On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the wheel of brie in the center. Take the strips of dough and wrap them around the brie, forming a wreath shape, ensuring they overlap slightly. This structure will hold the gooey cheese while enhancing its flavors with the herbed dough, creating a stunning focal point for your holiday spread.

Step 5: Glaze with Honey and Lemon
Drizzle the honey and fresh lemon juice over the top of the brie. This sweet and tangy glaze will melt into the cheese as it bakes, enhancing the overall taste of your Baked Brie Wreath. The combination of flavors from the dough and brie, alongside the glaze, will create an irresistible aroma that beckons your guests.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled Baked Brie Wreath in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the dough turns a golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to prevent overbaking, ensuring a delightful crispiness and a deliciously gooey cheese center that everyone will love.

Make Ahead Options

These Baked Brie Wreaths are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and assemble the wreath up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep the dough fresh and prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to serve, allow the wreath to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven. Then, drizzle the honey and lemon juice over the brie and bake as directed. This make-ahead strategy ensures you’ll have a stunning, gooey centerpiece ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort!

Baked Brie Wreath Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Baked Brie Wreath! Exploring different flavors and textures will surely create a dish your guests will rave about.

Cheese Swap: Substitute brie with camembert for a stronger, bolder taste that still melts beautifully. Camembert has a rich flavor that adds depth to your wreath.
Add Sweetness: Mix in caramelized onions or dried fruit like apricots between the cheese and dough for extra sweetness and texture. The combination of sweet and savory will create a fulfilling experience.
Herb Variety: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, chives, or even dill to customize your flavor profile. Each herb will bring its unique essence to the dish.
Zesty Infusion: Enhance the lemon flavor by incorporating lemon zest into the cheese or dough. This will brighten the dish, making it even more refreshing.
Heat It Up: Include jalapeños or diced chili peppers for a spicy twist. Adjust the amount to your heat preference—a little kick can add a lively contrast to the creamy brie!
Nutty Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top of the cheese before wrapping with dough. This will create delightful crunch in every bite.
Savory Addition: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the dough and brie for a hearty touch, creating a new depth of flavor that guests will love.
Different Doughs: Instead of pizza dough, use crescent roll dough or biscuit dough for a flaky, buttery wreath that changes the overall appeal. This twist will surprise and delight your audience.

For more delicious ideas and inspiration, explore my Baked Chicken Goujons or try the mouthwatering Summer Grilled Burger. Happy cooking!

Expert Tips for Baked Brie Wreath

Cheese Temperature: Allow the brie to come to room temperature before baking to ensure it melts evenly and is beautifully gooey in every bite.
Dough Consistency: If using store-bought pizza dough, check the freshness at your local shop. Fresh dough yields the best results in terms of texture and flavor.
Watch the Clock: Keep a close eye on your masterpiece while it bakes; over or underbaking can compromise the lovely crunch of the dough and the creaminess of the brie cheese.
Herb Variations: Feel free to be adventurous! Try different herbs like basil or oregano to create a unique flavor profile for your baked brie wreath.
Avoiding Stickiness: Ensure your baking sheet is well-greased to prevent sticking. This helps maintain the gorgeous wreath shape as it bakes to perfection.

What to Serve with Baked Brie Wreath

Let the flavors dance on your palate with these delightful pairings that perfectly complement your warm, gooey creation.

Crispy Baguette Slices: The crunchy texture holds up beautifully against the melty brie, providing a classic, balanced taste.
Fresh Vegetable Crudités: Offer a colorful array of fresh vegetables to dip. The crispness contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the brie.
Savory Fig Jam: A dollop of fig jam adds a luscious sweetness that enhances the rich flavors of the brie.
Spiced Nuts: A warm bowl of spiced nuts provides a crunchy texture and an interesting flavor contrast, bringing a delightful crunch.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness elevates the dish, harmonizing beautifully with the creamy brie and honey glaze.
Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of a chilled sparkling wine cuts through the richness, cleansing your palate with each sip.
Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed greens with a citrus vinaigrette add a fresh, vibrant note to your spread, balancing the rich wreath.
Roasted Garlic: Serve roasted garlic cloves to spread, offering a robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with the melted brie.
Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, a decadent chocolate fondue can cap off the meal, with fresh fruits for dipping creating a sweet finish.

How to Store and Freeze Baked Brie Wreath

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in the oven before serving to revive its gooey texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the Baked Brie Wreath tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the stored wreath in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s warmed through and the dough remains crispy.

Best Enjoyed Fresh: While you can store leftovers, this Baked Brie Wreath is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Baked Brie Wreath Recipe FAQs

When is the best time to use the brie for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use brie that is at room temperature. This ensures that it melts beautifully and achieves that desired gooey consistency once baked. About 30 minutes before preparation, take it out of the fridge to let it warm up a bit.

How should I store leftovers of the Baked Brie Wreath?
Store any leftover Baked Brie Wreath in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its creamy texture and crispy dough.

Can I freeze the Baked Brie Wreath?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap your Baked Brie Wreath tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to warm it through.

What if my dough is sticking to the baking sheet?
To prevent sticking, ensure that your baking sheet is well-greased with neutral oil. If you find the dough is still sticking, try using parchment paper as a liner—it not only provides an excellent non-stick surface but also makes cleanup a breeze!

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Baked Brie Wreath contains dairy from the brie and unsalted butter, so if you have a dairy allergy, you might want to experiment with a non-dairy cheese alternative. Also, consider any allergens in the herbs or toppings—always double-check for potential sensitivities.

What are some creative ideas to customize the flavor?
The more the merrier! You can easily personalize your Baked Brie Wreath by swapping in different cheeses, like camembert for a stronger flavor, or adding ingredients like caramelized onions, dried fruit, or even nuts. For the herbs, try mixing different combinations to create unique taste profiles!