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There’s something so magical about the holidays, isn’t there? The laughter, the glowing lights, and, of course, the food that brings everyone together. This Christmas Bacon & Pomegranate Pastry Wreath is an edible masterpiece—savory, cheesy, and bursting with festive cheer. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also packs bold, irresistible flavors. If you’re ready to impress your holiday guests, let’s dive right into how to make this show-stopping appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pastry Wreath
- Festive Presentation: It’s shaped like a holiday wreath, making it the ultimate table centerpiece.
- Bursting Flavors: Smoky bacon, melty cheese, and juicy pops of pomegranate create the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy shape fool you—this recipe is incredibly simple to assemble.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist flaky puff pastry and cheesy goodness?
What Does It Taste Like?
This pastry wreath is a flavor bomb. The buttery puff pastry is crisp and flaky, pairing perfectly with the richness of melted cheese and crispy bacon. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the pomegranate seeds add bursts of sweetness and a refreshing zing. Every bite feels like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to craft this beautiful and delicious appetizer:
- 6 strips bacon – Cooked until crispy and crumbled.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar or a blend works beautifully.
- 1 sheet puff pastry – Thawed and ready to work its magic.
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds – For that festive touch.
- 1 tbsp butter – Melted for a golden finish.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped, to add a fresh garnish.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the filling.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No pomegranate seeds? Try dried cranberries for a chewy, sweet alternative.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
- Cheese swap: Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix of cheeses can elevate the flavor.
- Extra flavor: Sprinkle some chopped rosemary or thyme into the filling for a herby twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling
Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces. Combine the bacon with shredded cheese, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assemble the Wreath
- Roll out the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet.
- Evenly sprinkle the bacon-cheese mixture over the pastry.
- Cut the pastry into strips (about 1-inch wide).
- Twist each strip and carefully arrange them into a circular wreath shape. Pinch the ends together to seal the wreath.
Brush with Butter
Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the pastry wreath with melted butter. This step ensures a golden, shiny crust.
Bake
Pop the wreath into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Once the wreath is baked, sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the top and garnish with fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm to enjoy its full festive glory.
What to Serve with Your Pastry Wreath
This versatile appetizer pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh green salad for a balanced starter.
- Sparkling wine or holiday cocktails to complement the flavors.
- Cranberry chutney or a creamy dip on the side.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pastry Wreath
- Thaw the pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold for easier handling.
- Keep it even: Twist the strips as uniformly as possible for a symmetrical wreath.
- Watch the bake time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the wreath to avoid over-browning.
Storage Instructions
This pastry wreath is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Assemble the wreath but do not bake. Freeze it on the tray, then store in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pastry wreath ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the wreath and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Brush with butter just before baking.
What if my pastry breaks?
No worries—just patch it up with a bit of water and press the edges together. Once baked, no one will notice.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. If making two wreaths, bake them on separate trays to ensure even cooking.
Wrap-Up
This Christmas Bacon & Pomegranate Pastry Wreath is the epitome of holiday magic—easy to make, stunning to serve, and utterly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks joy, both in the making and the eating. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the festive baking begin.
For more holiday-inspired recipes, check out these festive ideas:
- Christmas Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Christmas Puff Pastry Charcuterie Squares
- Rosemary Feta Christmas Tree Crackers
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations. Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review to let me know how it turned out. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
Christmas Bacon & Pomegranate Pastry Wreath Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Bacon & Pomegranate Pastry Wreath is a savory and festive holiday appetizer made with puff pastry, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a burst of juicy pomegranate seeds. It’s simple, stunning, and perfect for your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the bacon-cheese mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Cut the pastry into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip and shape them into a circular wreath, pinching the ends to secure.
- Brush the pastry with melted butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
- Assemble the wreath up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg