Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring: Sweet & Savory Holiday Appetizer

Welcome a truly festive and flavorful appetizer to your holiday table with this incredible Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring. This delightful creation perfectly balances sweet and tart notes from pineapple and cranberries with the creamy richness of brie, all nestled in buttery, flaky crescent dough. It’s an absolute showstopper, incredibly easy to assemble, and guaranteed to impress your guests, making it ideal for any special gathering or holiday celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring

You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy yet impressive Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring for many reasons. It truly makes holiday entertaining a breeze.

• Effortless Assembly: You can put this together in minutes with simple, clear steps, perfect for any busy home cook.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and savory brie creates a truly harmonious taste.
• Visually Stunning: Arranged in a beautiful wreath shape, this crescent brie appetizer instantly elevates your party spread.
• Perfectly Versatile: Serve this delicious Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring at holidays, casual parties, or any special occasion.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves pulling apart the warm, gooey, cheesy segments of this delectable dish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your showstopping Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring:

• 2 Cans (8 ounces each) Crescent Rolls: These form the flaky, buttery base for your ring.
• 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter: Melted, it forms the rich glaze and binds the filling.
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness to the glaze.
• 1 Teaspoon Maple Extract: Infuses a warm, inviting flavor into the glaze.
• 2 Tablespoons Pineapple Juice: Enhances the tropical notes and thins the glaze.
• 1/2 Cup Pecans, chopped: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor in the filling.
• 16 Ounces Brie: The star of the show, offering a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 Cup Dried Cranberries: Delivers a chewy, tangy counterpoint to the sweet elements.
• 1/2 Cup Crushed Pineapple, well drained: Adds juicy sweetness and bright flavor to the filling.

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with several ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Crescent Roll Alternatives: For a different texture, try puff pastry sheets or even large biscuit dough, though cooking times may vary.
• Brie Substitutes: Camembert cheese offers a similar creamy texture. Goat cheese provides a tangier flavor if you prefer.
• Pineapple Variations: If using fresh pineapple, ensure you dice it very finely and drain it extremely well to prevent a soggy crescent brie ring.
• Cranberry Swaps: Dried cherries or golden raisins can stand in for dried cranberries, offering similar sweetness and chewiness.
• Nut Options: Walnuts or shelled pistachios make excellent substitutes for pecans, adding their unique crunch and flavor.
• Sugar Variations: Granulated white sugar or a drizzle of honey can replace brown sugar in the glaze for a different sweetness.
• Optional Additions: For an herby note, mix in a teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme with the filling ingredients.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this stunning Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring. Gather these basics before you begin:

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for holding your crescent ring.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Small Saucepan: For melting butter and preparing the delicious glaze.
• Whisk: To combine glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: To combine all the flavorful filling components.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the brie and chopping pecans.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.

Instructions

Creating your Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and quick cleanup for your festive brie ring.
2. Arrange Crescent Dough: Remove the crescent rolls from their cans and separate them into individual triangles. Place a small, oven-safe bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) in the center of your prepared baking sheet. Arrange the crescent dough triangles around the bowl in a sunburst pattern. The wider ends should overlap slightly in the center, and the pointed ends should face outwards. Remove the bowl gently once the ring is formed.
3. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the brown sugar and whisk constantly until it dissolves and combines with the butter. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the butter to lightly brown and develop a nutty aroma. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the maple extract and pineapple juice until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Create the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced brie, dried cranberries, thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared butter glaze to this mixture. Stir gently until all the filling ingredients are well coated and evenly distributed.
5. Fill the Ring: Carefully spoon the mixed filling onto the wider end of the crescent dough ring, about ½ inch from the center where the dough overlaps. Distribute the filling evenly around the entire ring.
6. Form the Ring: Take the pointed end of each crescent dough triangle and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip neatly under the dough toward the center of the ring. Continue this process around the entire ring until all the filling is enclosed.
7. Glaze & Bake: Brush the top of the formed Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring generously with the remaining maple butter glaze. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the brie cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Cool & Serve: Let the cranberry brie bake cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a serving platter. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve a perfect Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring every time with these helpful tips and quick fixes.

• Keep Dough Chilled: Work with cold crescent dough. This makes it easier to handle and prevents it from becoming too sticky or tearing during assembly.
• Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Excess liquid from the crushed pineapple can make your dough soggy. Press it firmly through a fine-mesh sieve or use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Use Parchment for Easy Cleanup: Parchment paper is your best friend here. It ensures the cheesy, bubbly ring doesn’t stick and makes cleanup effortless.
• Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload the dough with filling. Too much can make it difficult to fold and seal the ring properly, potentially leading to leaks.
• Watch for Even Baking: Ovens can have hot spots. If one side of your Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring is browning faster, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for an even golden finish.
• Ensure Cheese is Melted: The true delight of this dish is the gooey brie. Bake until the cheese is visibly bubbly and melted, ensuring a warm, creamy interior.
• Troubleshoot Soggy Dough: If your dough appears soggy, it’s likely due to excess liquid in the filling. Ensure pineapple is well-drained. Next time, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to absorb extra moisture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring works for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

• Always serve this crescent brie ring warm or at room temperature for the best gooey texture and flavor.
• Offer a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce or a dollop of fig jam on the side for dipping.
• Present it as a stunning centerpiece appetizer at your holiday gathering or potluck.
• It also pairs wonderfully as a light accompaniment to a festive brunch or lunch spread.

Storage & Make Ahead

• This pineapple cranberry bake is truly best enjoyed freshly baked for optimal flakiness and melted cheese.
• Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the entire unbaked Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Store Leftovers: Place any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked ring wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated.
• Reheat: Gently warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is soft.

Flavor Variations

• Savory Twist: Add some crispy cooked bacon bits, finely diced prosciutto, or a tablespoon of fresh chives to the filling for a more savory flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Incorporate a small pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the filling for a subtle kick.
• Different Fruit Preserves: Instead of pineapple and cranberries, experiment with other fruit jams like apricot preserves, fig jam, or cherry preserves for a unique fruit brie crescent ring.

Nutrition

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of the Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring.

Please note these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring offers an irresistible combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. It’s a visually stunning yet remarkably easy-to-make appetizer that consistently earns rave reviews. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply gathering with loved ones, this festive brie ring is guaranteed to become a cherished part of your culinary traditions. Give this delightful recipe a try and watch it disappear from your platter!

Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring: Sweet & Savory Holiday Appetizer

A festive and easy-to-make holiday appetizer featuring a sweet and savory combination of brie, dried cranberries, crushed pineapple, and pecans wrapped in golden crescent rolls.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• whisk

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cans crescent rolls 8-Ounce Cans
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• 16 ounces brie
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple well drained

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and separate crescent roll triangles.
• Arrange crescent triangles in a shingle pattern to form a sunburst circle on the prepared baking sheet, leaving the center open.
• Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in brown sugar and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat and stir in maple extract and pineapple juice.
• In a separate bowl, combine sliced brie, dried cranberries, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter mixture.
• Spoon the brie mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle, about a half-inch from the center. Fold the pointed end of each crescent over the filling and tuck it under the center.
• Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the remaining butter mixture.
• Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown.

Notes

This appetizer is best served warm, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread.