Golden Bacon & Brie Crescent Wreath – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer

There are some recipes that instantly feel festive the moment they hit the table. This bacon and Brie crescent wreath is one of them. Warm, buttery dough wrapped around gooey cheese, savory bacon, and a gently sweet onion confit creates a centerpiece that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Save

Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings with friends, or relaxed weekend brunches, this appetizer balances comfort and elegance without requiring advanced cooking skills. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, often before you even have time to explain what’s inside.

In this article, you’ll discover why this crescent wreath deserves a spot on your festive menu, how to customize it to your taste, and how to make it step by step with confidence.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This recipe checks all the right boxes for a successful appetizer:

First, it relies on a short list of accessible ingredients. Nothing complicated, nothing hard to find, yet every component plays an important role in flavor and texture.

Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it as a holiday starter, bring it to a potluck, enjoy it during a movie night, or place it at the center of a brunch table. It fits effortlessly into many occasions.

Finally, it’s beginner-friendly. The assembly is straightforward, the baking time is forgiving, and the result looks far more sophisticated than the effort involved. Even if you’re not confident in the kitchen, this is a recipe you can trust.

A comforting appetizer with a festive look

The wreath shape isn’t just decorative. It allows the crescent dough to bake evenly while holding the filling securely inside. The overlapping dough creates a crisp exterior, while the interior stays soft and rich thanks to the melted Brie.

The combination of flavors is what truly makes this dish shine. The bacon adds saltiness and depth, the cheese brings creaminess, and the onion confit offers a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. Each bite feels balanced, indulgent, and comforting.

Placed on a wooden board or a simple serving platter, this wreath becomes an edible centerpiece that naturally draws people in.

For cheese lovers

If you enjoy warm, melted cheese recipes, this wreath will quickly become a favorite. Brie is ideal here because of its mild flavor and smooth texture once baked. As it melts, it blends beautifully with the bacon and onion confit without overpowering them.

This recipe is also a great starting point if you like experimenting with baked cheese appetizers. The base technique can be adapted to other soft cheeses or fillings, making it a reliable option for future variations.

Ingredients overview

You’ll find the exact quantities in the recipe card at the end of the article. Below are a few helpful notes about the main ingredients and why they matter.

Brie cheese
Choose a good-quality wheel of Brie. A generous size ensures a creamy interior and prevents the filling from feeling dry. Keeping the cheese cold until assembly makes it easier to cut and handle.

Crescent roll dough
Store-bought crescent dough is the key to keeping this recipe simple. It bakes into flaky, golden layers and holds the filling well when properly sealed.

Bacon
Lightly pre-cooked bacon works best. It finishes crisping in the oven without releasing too much fat into the dough.

Egg
Brushing the dough with beaten egg before baking gives the wreath its glossy, golden finish.

Onions, sugar, vinegar, and wine
These ingredients come together to create a slow-cooked onion confit that adds depth and a gentle sweetness to the savory filling.

Variations to try

One of the strengths of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Once you’re comfortable with the base version, feel free to experiment.

A spoonful of cranberry sauce or fig jam can replace the onion confit for a sweeter contrast. Thin apple slices add freshness and pair beautifully with melted Brie. Chopped nuts, such as pecans, introduce a pleasant crunch and a slightly toasted flavor.

Keep in mind that changing ingredients may affect baking time or texture. Small adjustments are best when experimenting.

Utensils you’ll need

No special equipment is required. A sharp knife, a frying pan, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a pastry brush are enough to prepare this recipe comfortably. Simple tools help keep the process stress-free, especially when cooking for guests.

How to make the bacon and Brie crescent wreath

The preparation can be broken down into three main steps: making the onion confit, preparing the filling, and assembling the wreath.

Start by slowly cooking thinly sliced onions in butter until soft and fragrant. Adding a touch of sweetness and acidity transforms them into a rich confit with deep flavor.

While the onions cook, lightly brown the bacon slices in a separate pan. This step ensures the bacon stays crisp without overcooking in the oven.

Once everything is ready, the crescent dough is arranged in a circular pattern, filled, folded, and sealed before baking to golden perfection.

Step-by-step method

This recipe is best approached calmly, with each step prepared ahead of assembly. Doing so ensures a smooth process and a beautiful final result.

1. Prepare the onion confit

Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them thinly. Separate the rings gently with your fingers so they cook evenly.

Heat a wide pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they soften and begin to turn translucent. This initial stage develops their natural sweetness.

Next, add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture cook for a few minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. The onions should start to caramelize without burning.

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let the onions simmer gently until thick, glossy, and deeply flavorful. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Cook the bacon

In a separate pan, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides. They should be cooked but not fully crisp, as they will finish cooking in the oven.

Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces once cooled.

3. Assemble the wreath

Preheat your oven to 390°F / 200°C using conventional heat.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circular, sunburst pattern. The wide ends should overlap in the center, with the pointed tips facing outward.

Spread a thin layer of onion confit over the inner portion of the dough ring. Sprinkle the bacon evenly on top, followed by small chunks of Brie distributed across the circle.

Carefully roll the inner edges of the dough slightly upward to create a barrier. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from leaking out. Fold the pointed ends of the triangles over the filling and tuck them underneath the ring to seal securely.

4. Bake

Brush the dough generously with beaten egg to encourage even browning.

Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye on the color. The wreath should be puffed and golden brown, with melted cheese inside.

Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped chives.

Chef’s tips for best results

Working with cold dough and cold cheese makes assembly much easier. Take them out of the refrigerator only when you’re ready to use them.

Season lightly. Bacon and cheese already provide salt, so additional seasoning should be minimal.

Sealing the dough properly is crucial. If the ends are not tucked securely underneath, the wreath may lose its shape during baking.

If you prefer a different presentation, the same filling can be baked inside a puff pastry shell. Pre-bake the pastry slightly before adding the filling for best texture.

Storage and reheating

Allow the wreath to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to three days.

To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 320°F / 160°C for 5 to 10 minutes. This method restores crispness and ensures the cheese becomes melty again without drying out the dough.

Why this recipe works every time

The balance of flavors is what makes this dish so reliable. Rich cheese, savory bacon, and gently sweet onions are wrapped in buttery dough that bakes evenly in a circular shape. Each component supports the others, creating a cohesive and satisfying bite.

Save

It’s also a recipe that encourages confidence. Once you’ve made it once, it becomes easy to recreate, adjust, and serve for different occasions throughout the year.

Print