This Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath is a fun and tasty appetizer! With flaky crescent dough wrapped around creamy brie and crispy bacon, it’s perfect for sharing at parties.
I love how easy it is to make this wreath! Just roll it, bake it, and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they see it. Who can resist gooey cheese and bacon? 🥓🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: The base for our wreath! Convenient and easy to work with. If you don’t have it, you can use puff pastry instead, but it may need a bit more time to bake. Just be careful about the roll size!
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese is key for that gooey texture. If brie isn’t available, camembert or cream cheese can be used as substitutes, but keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Bacon: Cooked crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. For a vegetarian option, you could use sautéed mushrooms or chopped olives to give it a savory kick, or skip it altogether for a plant-based wreath!
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme adds great flavor, but if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too! I often use Italian seasoning for a blend of flavors.
How Do I Get the Crescent Dough to Bake Evenly?
One trick to get perfect crescent dough is ensuring it’s cold. When dough is cold, it puffs better in the oven. Also, don’t overcrowd the filling; leave enough space to let the dough rise and bake beautifully.
- Be sure to check for doneness around 18 minutes, as ovens vary.
- If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it with foil while it continues to bake.
How to Make a Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wreath:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful wreath takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 18-22 minutes to bake in the oven. So in roughly 40 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful dish ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, take a moment to grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the wreath from sticking when baking.
2. Shape the Crescent Dough:
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. On a clean surface, arrange the triangles in a circle or wreath shape. The wide ends should overlap in the center, while the pointed ends stick outwards. This forms the base for our delicious wreath!
3. Add the Cheese and Bacon:
Now, layer the brie pieces evenly around the wide ends of each triangle in your circle. Follow that by sprinkling the cooked, chopped bacon and shredded mozzarella on top of the brie. If you’re using fresh herbs, sprinkle those on now for that extra flavor kick!
4. Seal the Wreath:
Next, fold the pointed end of each crescent triangle over the filling and tuck it neatly underneath the wide end. This seals the filling inside, creating a lovely wreath shape!
5. Egg Wash Time:
Brush the entire crescent wreath with the beaten egg. This will give the dough a beautiful golden brown color when it bakes. You’ll love how shiny it looks!
6. Bake the Wreath:
Pop the wreath into the preheated oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the crescent dough is puffed up and has a lovely golden brown color.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the wreath cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve and keep those fingers from getting too hot!
8. Final Touch:
If you wish, garnish your wreath with some extra fresh herbs. Then, serve it warm by pulling apart the crescent segments to enjoy that melted brie, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
This bubbly, cheesy wreath is not only delicious but also visually stunning—sure to be a hit at any event!
Can I Use a Different Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While brie provides a creamy texture, you can try camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile. Just remember that substitutes may alter the final taste slightly.
Can I Prepare This Wreath in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time! To do this, assemble the wreath, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring the dough stays crisp.
Can I Freeze the Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just assemble the wreath without baking and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. It’s a great make-ahead option for special occasions!