Christmas Wreath is not only a symbol of the holidays, but also a delicious appetizer that combines traditional tastes with festive aesthetics. With a tasty filling wrapped in a soft dough and arranged in the shape of a crown, this stuffed vegan Christmas wreath appetizer will definitely become the centerpiece of your festive table. Not only will it attract the guests’ eyes, but it will also tempt them to taste its wonderfulness. I invite you to discover this recipe and bring the magic of Christmas directly to your plate!
Christmas is knocking on our door and I’m SO ready for it! 🙂 Christmas has to be my favorite celebration ever and each year I try to create a special, diversified menu that will be loved by everyone at the dinner table.
After all, what’s Christmas without your loved ones? Moreover, what’s Christmas without your loved ones, but with full bellies, laughing together at the table, after a satisfying dinner? For me, food is a special element of this celebration and I use it as an excuse to experiment and create new and improved recipes that will be loved by everyone. Yes, I always try and make a vegan Christmas menu and, until now, I had no complaints from my meat-eaters!
A typical Christmas menu includes some appetizers, a main dish, maybe also a second dish (if you’re brave enough!), and definitely some dessert. I noticed that people are usually uninspired when it comes to appetizers. If you know for sure that you’ll prepare a yummy vegan Wellington as the main dish and maybe also a Christmas cake or some Christmas cookies for dessert to share at the end of the dinner, when it comes to the appetizer… what now?
Well, there are SO many awesome recipes out there! But, if you ask me, the most impressive Christmas appetizer is a Christmas wreath. Yes, similar to the ones we hang at our doors when the holidays are close, only this one is made with pastry and some other yummy ingredients.
This type of edible Christmas wreath serves as a centerpiece for your Xmas dinner. You prepare the dough, you fill it with your favorite veggies, you bake it and then you carefully place it in the middle of the table, once everyone is sited. This serves as an appetizer meant to be shared, so everyone can take a piece – this is how Christmas dinner starts! Depending on the recipe, there may also be some type of sauces involved and surely some other appetizers as well, scattered around the table.
What I love best about this edible centerpiece is that it’s MEANT to be shared with your loved ones. And, after all, this is what Christmas is all about! 🙂
Another fun idea would be to place a small bowl of marinated or stuffed olives in the middle of this vegan Christmas wreath. This way you’ll complete the appetizer with some more yumminess!
History and tradition of the Christmas Wreath Appetizer
The Christmas wreath, as a form and symbol, has deep roots in European traditions. Throughout time, the crown has been a symbol of royalty and divinity, and in the context of Christmas, it evokes the idea of rebirth and continuity. This is one reason why the decorative Christmas wreath is so popular in many cultures: it represents the cycle of life and hope.
Regarding the Christmas wreath as an appetizer, the exact origin is difficult to determine, but we can assume that the idea of combining the symbolism of the wreath with festive dishes appeared in Europe, possibly in the central or northern regions. There, braided and filled doughs are an old tradition, especially during Christmas. The fillings vary from sausages, cheeses, to jams and fruits, depending on the area and local tradition.
So, in case you’re planning to prepare a delicious meat-free menu for Christmas day this year, I got you! Similar to last years’ Christmas Tree Appetizer, this vegan Christmas wreath works wonderfully as an appetizer. You can also find some more Christmas inspiration on my blog, all vegan, of course, such as this vegan Christmas pudding, some vegan Christmas brownies and, to top it all off, some flavorful Christmas punch! I hope you’ll find these recipes useful and, in case you decide to make them this year for your loved ones, first of all, I’d be really honored and second of all: I’m sure they won’t disappoint!
Okay, so what are you waiting for? I hope I convinced you to try this vegan festive appetizer, bursting with amazing flavors and full of healthy veggies. It’s crisp, it’s golden and it’s extremely easy to make – even it may not seem so! You don’t need to take my word for it, so just go ahead and make it. Happy holidays!
Vegan Veggie-Stuffed Christmas Wreath
Ingredients
- 100 g spinach
- 200 g firm tofu crumbled
- 200 g mushroom mix chopped
- 2 Tbsp pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp dill chopped
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 Pastry dough sheet
- 1 Tbsp oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- On a dry pan, roast the pine nuts.
- Add oil and sautee the garlic.
- Add the tofu, mushrooms, nutmeg, dill, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Cut the pastry dough into triangles, arrange them in a circle, pour the mixture on top and close the triangles.
- Bake at 180 degrees C for 20 minutes.
Nutrition
If you make this, please leave a review and rating if you liked this recipe! ★★★★★
Pam
Wednesday 17th of February 2021
Savory and delish. Yum!