Simple Brie Triangle Cheese Tree

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

This elegant cheese display features creamy Brie wedges sliced and arranged in a triangle to mimic a festive tree. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a pine-like touch, while dried cranberries and pistachios serve as decorative ornaments. A star-shaped bell pepper or cheddar tops the creation, with crackers or crostini forming the base. This no-cook, easy-to-assemble presentation suits holiday gatherings and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:23:00 GMT
Creamy Simple Brie Triangle Cheese Tree appetizer, adorned with cranberries and pistachios, ready to serve. Pin
Creamy Simple Brie Triangle Cheese Tree appetizer, adorned with cranberries and pistachios, ready to serve. | cinnamonnest.com

A festive and elegant cheese display featuring creamy Brie wedges arranged in a tree shape, perfect for holiday gatherings or entertaining.

This is one of my favorite holiday appetizers to impress guests effortlessly with minimal preparation.

Ingredients

  • Cheese: 400 g (14 oz) Brie cheese wheel, chilled
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: ¼ cup fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: ¼ cup shelled pistachios or pecans
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: 8 10 assorted crackers or crostini (gluten-free if desired)
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: 1 small star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper or cheddar (for tree topper optional)
  • Garnishes & Accompaniments: Honey or fig jam, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Slice the Brie wheel into wedges:
Slice the Brie wheel into 8 equal wedges. Keep the rind on for structure.
Arrange the wedges:
Arrange the wedges on a large serving platter in a triangle tree shape, with the points facing outward and the wide ends touching, forming the layers of a tree.
Add rosemary sprigs:
Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the wedges to mimic pine branches.
Add ornaments:
Sprinkle dried cranberries and pistachios (or pecans) over the Brie for ornaments.
Add tree topper:
Place the star-shaped bell pepper or cheddar piece at the top of the tree, if using.
Arrange crackers or crostini:
Arrange crackers or crostini around the base as the tree trunk.
Serve:
Serve with honey or fig jam on the side, if desired.
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| cinnamonnest.com

This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays as everyone enjoys assembling and decorating the cheese tree.

Required Tools

Sharp chefs knife, Cutting board, Large serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk (Brie cheddar) and nuts (if using pistachios or pecans). Gluten may be present in crackers use gluten-free options if needed. Always check ingredient labels if serving to guests with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories 175, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 7 g (per serving)

Festive Simple Brie Triangle Cheese Tree presentation, with vibrant rosemary and nuts for a holiday appetizer. Pin
Festive Simple Brie Triangle Cheese Tree presentation, with vibrant rosemary and nuts for a holiday appetizer. | cinnamonnest.com

This Brie cheese tree is the perfect last-minute appetizer that feels special and looks stunning on any holiday table.

Recipe FAQ

How do I slice Brie for the display?

Slice the Brie wheel into 8 equal wedges, keeping the rind intact to help the wedges hold their shape when arranged.

What garnishes complement the Brie tree?

Fresh rosemary sprigs mimic pine branches, dried cranberries add color, and nuts like pistachios or pecans provide texture and ornamentation.

Can I prepare the display ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the Brie tree up to 1 hour in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

What can I use for the star topper?

A small star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper or cheddar cheese works well as a festive tree topper.

Are there alternatives for nuts in this display?

For a nut-free option, replace pistachios or pecans with pomegranate arils to maintain color and texture variety.

Simple Brie Triangle Cheese Tree

Festive Brie wedges arranged with rosemary, cranberries, and nuts in a tree shape for entertaining.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Total duration
15 min

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin French-inspired

Yield 8 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cheese

01 14 oz Brie cheese wheel, chilled

Garnishes & Accompaniments

01 ¼ cup fresh rosemary sprigs
02 ¼ cup dried cranberries
03 ¼ cup shelled pistachios or pecans
04 8–10 assorted crackers or crostini, gluten-free if desired
05 1 small star-shaped piece of yellow bell pepper or cheddar (optional)
06 Honey or fig jam, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Slice Brie: Cut the chilled Brie wheel into 8 equal wedges, keeping the rind intact for structure.

Step 02

Arrange Wedges: Place Brie wedges on a large serving platter in a triangular tree shape with points facing outward and wide ends touching to form layers.

Step 03

Add Rosemary: Insert fresh rosemary sprigs between wedges to resemble pine branches.

Step 04

Apply Ornaments: Scatter dried cranberries and pistachios or pecans evenly over the Brie wedges for decorative effect.

Step 05

Top the Tree: Position the star-shaped yellow bell pepper or cheddar piece atop the arrangement, if using.

Step 06

Arrange Crackers: Place crackers or crostini around the base to simulate the tree trunk.

Step 07

Serve Accompaniments: Offer honey or fig jam alongside for optional serving.

Necessary tools

  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large serving platter

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk and nuts; gluten may be present in crackers unless gluten-free options are used.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 7 g
  • Protein: 7 g