Holiday Wreath Pastry with Goat Cheese and Cranberries

Looking for a show-stopping holiday appetizer that’s elegant, easy, and packed with flavor? Enter the Cranberry & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Wreath a stunning centerpiece that’s as perfect for your holiday table as it is for a cozy potluck spread.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this buttery, tangy, and slightly sweet wreath combines the richness of goat cheese, the tart pop of cranberries, and the crunch of pistachios in one flaky, golden-brown bite.

Why This Puff Pastry Wreath Works

Besides its head-turning presentation, this dish is a thoughtful combination of textures and flavors plus, it delivers a surprising number of health perks. Here’s why you’ll want to bookmark it for every festive occasion:

• Cranberries are rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that promote heart health and may support urinary tract health thanks to their unique proanthocyanidins.

• Goat cheese adds creamy, tangy depth while delivering calcium, phosphorus, and protein all crucial for bone and muscle health.

• Pistachios, even as a sprinkle, offer copper, selenium, potassium, and fiber nutrients linked to reduced inflammation and improved digestion.

Tips for Success and Easy Swaps

This recipe was tested with flexibility in mind, and a few smart tricks from the test kitchen will help you make it even easier:

• Fresh cranberries are ideal in winter, but frozen or even quality store-bought cranberry sauce will work in a pinch.

• If your puff pastry becomes too soft while shaping the wreath, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. Cold dough puffs better in the oven.

• No need to stick to exact bowl sizes any circular guide will help cut the dough into shape. Just adjust your roll-out accordingly.

• Substitute ideas: Swap in Brie for goat cheese or use chopped walnuts or pecans in place of pistachios for a personalized spin.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon orange juice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed

• All-purpose flour for dusting

• 1 (4-ounce) log goat cheese

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons chopped unsalted roasted pistachios

• 2 tablespoons honey

How to Make It

1. Prepare the cranberry filling: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and orange juice. Cook until cranberries soften, about 10 minutes, then mash into a jam-like texture. Stir in salt and cool for 20–30 minutes.

2. Shape the wreath: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface into a 12-inch square and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cut an 11-inch circle using a bowl as a guide. Use a smaller bowl (about 4 inches) to lightly score a center circle. Cut 8 triangle-shaped slits within the inner circle to create a sunburst pattern.

3. Add filling: Spread the cooled cranberry mixture in a ring between the scored center and outer edge. Crumble goat cheese on top.

4. Create the wreath: Fold each triangle point over the filling and press to seal at the outer edge using a dab of egg wash. Repeat around the circle, then brush the entire wreath with the remaining egg wash.

5. Bake and finish: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool for 10 minutes before sprinkling with pistachios and drizzling with honey. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

The Bottom Line

This cranberry and goat cheese puff pastry wreath is festive, fast, and filled with goodness both in flavor and nutrition. It’s a great example of how beautiful food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or the star of your holiday snack board, it’s sure to earn rave reviews.

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