We’ve all craved a showstopping appetizer that blends indulgence with ease and our Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath Recipe delivers just that. This festive twist on classic flavors unites crispy bacon smoky notes with melty brie cheese all nestled in golden crescent dough for a wreath that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for holidays or gatherings where we want to impress without fuss. Join us in creating this simple yet elegant dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
In our Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath recipe, we start by assembling high-quality ingredients that bring together crispy bacon, creamy brie, and flaky crescent dough for a festive appetizer that’s sure to impress.
To prepare this dish, we organize the ingredients in the order they’re used, ensuring each one contributes to the rich flavors and textures we’ll build step by step.
- Crescent dough rolls: 2 cans (8 ounces each), refrigerated and ready to unroll for the wreath base.
- Bacon strips: 1 pound, thick-cut and uncooked, which we’ll cook until crispy to provide that smoky, savory crunch.
- Brie cheese wheel: 8 ounces, rind removed and cubed, for its melty, indulgent center that pairs perfectly with the bacon.
- Fresh rosemary: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped, to add an aromatic, herbaceous note as we assemble the wreath.
- Apricot preserves: ¼ cup, for a sweet-tangy glaze that enhances the flavors when brushed on during preparation.
- Egg: 1 large, beaten, to use as an egg wash for a golden, shiny finish on the baked dough.
- Salt and black pepper: ½ teaspoon each, to season the mixture and elevate the overall taste before baking.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath, we need the right tools and equipment to ensure smooth assembly and baking. These essentials help us achieve a perfectly golden, festive wreath without any hassle. We’ll list them in the order of use, focusing on what makes each one crucial for this recipe.
- Baking Sheet: A standard rimmed baking sheet is our foundation for shaping and baking the wreath. It provides even heat distribution to create a crispy, golden exterior on the crescent dough.
- Parchment Paper: We use this to line the baking sheet, preventing the dough from sticking and making cleanup effortless while ensuring the wreath releases easily after baking.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is essential for safely slicing the thick-cut bacon and cubing the brie cheese, keeping our prep area organized and efficient.
- Sharp Knife: Opt for a sharp chef’s knife to precisely cut ingredients like bacon and brie, allowing for uniform pieces that melt and integrate seamlessly into the wreath.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl helps us combine elements like seasonings or apricot preserves, ensuring everything is evenly mixed before assembly.
- Pastry Brush: This tool is key for applying the beaten egg wash, giving the wreath its shiny, professional finish and helping the dough brown beautifully in the oven.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for ingredients like apricot preserves and seasonings, so we rely on these to avoid any imbalances in flavor.
- Oven: A preheated oven at the appropriate temperature is our star for baking, transforming the assembled wreath into a warm, melty delight ready for serving.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly from ingredients to the exciting assembly process.
Instructions
We’re excited to guide you through creating our Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath, using the fresh ingredients and tools we’ve outlined to ensure a seamless process that results in a stunning, flavorful appetizer.
Prep
Before we dive into assembly, let’s prepare our ingredients to maximize flavors and textures. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F for even baking. On a clean cutting board, use a sharp knife to slice 8 ounces of thick-cut uncooked bacon into 1-inch pieces—cook these in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Next, cube 8 ounces of Brie cheese into ½-inch pieces, and finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary for a fragrant herbal note. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of apricot preserves with ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper to create a sweet-savory glaze. Finally, beat one egg in another bowl and set it aside for later use—this step ensures a golden finish.
Assemble
Now that our ingredients are prepped, let’s build the wreath for a visually appealing presentation. Unroll one can (8 ounces) of refrigerated crescent dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the seams together to form a large rectangle. Arrange the cooked bacon, cubed Brie, and chopped rosemary evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a log, then shape it into a circle to form the wreath—gently press the ends together to seal. Using a pastry brush, apply the beaten egg wash over the surface for a shiny glaze, and drizzle or brush on the apricot preserves mixture for added sweetness.
Bake
With the wreath assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection for a crispy, golden exterior. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns a deep golden brown and the cheese inside melts beautifully. Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes to prevent over-browning—rotate the sheet halfway through for even heat distribution. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle for an irresistible, melty bite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath even more convenient for busy holiday gatherings, we recommend these make-ahead strategies. This approach allows us to prepare key components in advance, ensuring a stress-free assembly and baking process while maintaining the dish’s crispy texture and melty cheese flavors.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We can get a head start by prepping the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance:
- Cook the bacon: Fry or bake the bacon until crispy, then drain and chop it. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Cube the brie and mix the filling: Cut the brie into cubes and combine it with apricot preserves, fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Transfer the mixture to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 1 day to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the dough: If desired, unroll the crescent dough and keep it covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Note: Do not assemble the wreath yet, as the dough may lose its rise.
Assembling the Wreath in Advance
For even greater convenience, we can fully assemble the wreath ahead of time:
- Follow the assembly steps from our earlier instructions, layering the bacon, brie mixture, and dough into the wreath shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Once assembled, cover the unbaked wreath loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. This helps the flavors develop without over-softening the dough.
- If making further ahead, freeze the assembled wreath on the baking sheet for 1-2 hours until firm, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to preserving the wreath’s golden crust and rich flavors. Here’s a quick overview of timelines and methods:
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 8 hours | Keep covered; bake directly from fridge, adding 2-3 minutes to bake time. |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking; preheat oven as usual. |
| Baking After Storage | N/A | Bake at 375°F for 22-27 minutes or until golden brown; let cool for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the cheese sets perfectly. |
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we ensure our Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath remains a showstopping appetizer that’s easy to serve at any event.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath with us
It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds effortless elegance to any gathering
Let’s make it our go-to for festive moments
You’ll find joy in its simple yet stunning flavors every time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath?
A Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath is a festive appetizer featuring crispy bacon, melty brie cheese, and apricot preserves wrapped in golden crescent dough. It’s designed for holiday gatherings, offering an impressive, easy-to-make dish that combines rich flavors and textures for a visually appealing treat.
What ingredients are needed for Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath?
You’ll need refrigerated crescent dough, thick-cut uncooked bacon, cubed brie cheese, fresh rosemary, apricot preserves, a beaten egg, and seasonings like salt and black pepper. These high-quality ingredients are used in order to create a flavorful, textured appetizer perfect for entertaining.
What tools are required to make Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath?
Essential tools include a baking sheet, parchment paper, a cutting board, a sharp knife, a mixing bowl, a pastry brush, measuring cups and spoons, and a preheated oven. These items ensure smooth preparation and assembly for a golden, festive result.
How do I make Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath step by step?
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare ingredients like cooking bacon and cubing brie. Roll out crescent dough, layer with bacon, brie, and seasoned preserves, then shape into a wreath. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let it cool briefly before serving for the best taste.
Can I prepare Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components like cooked bacon, cubed brie, and the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Fully assemble the wreath and refrigerate for up to 8 hours or freeze for up to a month. This makes it ideal for busy holiday events, saving time without sacrificing quality.
How should I store and reheat Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. This helps maintain the dish’s texture and flavors for later enjoyment.
Is Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath suitable for holidays?
Absolutely, it’s a perfect holiday appetizer due to its festive wreath shape, rich flavors, and ease of preparation. It’s impressive for guests yet simple to make, making it a go-to choice for gatherings like Christmas or Thanksgiving.