I’ve been there, juggling jobs, kids, and keeping my house in some sort of order. But when it comes to sharing a meal, I believe it’s all about love and simplicity. One of my go-to recipes whenever I want to impress is my Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath. Honestly, it’s a life-saver! This dish is not only easy to whip up, but it also captures that perfect blend of flavors that makes everyone smile. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like hearing “Mmm” from your guests!
The beauty of this wreath is in its versatility. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and boom – you’ve got a spectacular appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. My kids love helping me with this recipe, especially when it comes to peeling the crescent dough and layering on the gooey Brie cheese. I remember the first time I made this; I was a bit nervous, but it turned out beautifully. The way the cheese melts and mingles with the sweet onions and crispy bacon is just heavenly! Plus, this dish is a great conversation starter. It’s like edible art that everyone wants to dive into!
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Each bite offers a little crunch, a hint of sweetness, and that oh-so-satisfying richness from the Brie and bacon. Trust me, whether it’s a holiday party or just a cozy weekend with the family, this Crescent Wreath is the ticket to making those moments memorable. The best part? You can prepare a lot of it ahead of time. So, when guests arrive, you can focus on enjoying their company instead of stressing in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
How to Make Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath
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Ingredients:
- 3 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 tubes of crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
- 1 round Brie cheese (12 oz)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Fresh chopped chives (for garnish)
Directions:
Start by preparing the onion confit. Thinly slice the onions, separating them into rings with your fingers. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften.
Next, mix in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Increase the heat and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Deglaze the pan with red wine, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for 25 minutes, until the onions are caramelized.
While your onions are cooking, fry the bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until crispy. Chop the cooked bacon into bits.
Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent dough, arranging the triangles in a sunburst shape on the sheet, overlapping them slightly at the bases.
Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Spread the onion confit over the dough base, then sprinkle the bacon pieces and chunks of Brie on top.
Fold the inner edges of the crescent triangles toward the center to secure the filling. Tuck the tips of the triangles underneath the dough to hold everything in place.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs and brush the mixture over the dough for a glossy finish. Bake in the oven for 15-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Once it’s out, garnish with fresh chives, slice it up, and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion:
Want to save some for later? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, so it gets nice and warm again!
Cooking Tips:
If you’re looking to spice things up, feel free to add herbs or different types of cheese for added flavor! You can also increase the quantity of bacon if you’re a true bacon lover. Alternatively, you can try using turkey bacon for a lighter version!
Serving Suggestions:
This delightful wreath pairs beautifully with a simple green salad on the side or a glass of fresh red wine. Feel free to add some dipping sauces like a balsamic reduction or honey mustard for extra flavor, making it a perfect snack for any gathering!
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you’re out of onions, shallots can work just as well! For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crescent roll dough. Cheese lovers can substitute the Brie with Camembert for a slightly different taste!
Seasonal Variations:
During the fall, consider using caramelized apples instead of onions for a sweet twist, or mixed greens in the spring can freshen up the flavors nicely. You can also add seasonal herbs like rosemary or sage for a fragrant touch!
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains common allergens like dairy (Brie cheese), gluten (crescent rolls), and eggs. For dairy-free options, use a non-dairy cheese. For gluten intolerance, a gluten-free crescent roll option can be helpful.
FAQ
Can I make the Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onion confit and cook the bacon a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the wreath right before baking. This way, you’ll save time when it’s time to entertain!
What can I serve with this dish?
This wreath is perfect as an appetizer, but you can serve it alongside a light green salad or a fruit platter. It’s also delicious with a side of dipping sauces like balsamic glaze or mustard!
How long does the wreath take to bake?
Baking the wreath will take around 15-25 minutes at 390°F (200°C). Keep an eye on it, and once it’s golden brown, it’s ready! An internal thermometer reading of 190°F indicates it’s thoroughly baked.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the dough and cheese upon reheating. However, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Brie, you could substitute it with goat cheese, cheddar, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its unique taste to the dish!
What’s the cooking time for the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 35 minutes in total. Initially, cook for about 10 minutes to soften, and then add balsamic and sugar, simmering for an additional 25 minutes. This process creates that delicious caramelized flavor!
Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath
Ingredients
- 3 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 tubes crescent rolls 8 oz each
- 1 round Brie cheese 12 oz
- 2 eggs beaten
- fresh chives chopped
Instructions
- Slice the onions in half and then into thin rings. Separate them into strips with your hands. In a hot frying pan over medium heat, add the butter and the sliced onions. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, cooking for another 5 minutes on high heat while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Deglaze the pan with the red wine, then cover and lower the heat to a medium-low simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 25 minutes.
- While the onions are cooking, cook the bacon in a non-greasy frying pan for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a sunburst pattern, overlapping the bases and pointing the tips out.
- Preheat your oven to 390°F. Spread the onion confit over the base of the crescent triangles and sprinkle crumbled bacon and pieces of Brie on top.
- Carefully fold the inner edges of the dough inward, which helps keep the cheese contained during baking. Fold over the tips of the triangles and tuck them underneath.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and brush the mixture over the top of the dough. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Once done, sprinkle fresh chives over the top and enjoy!
