Description
Festive Christmas Bacon & Pomegranate Pastry Wreath brings holiday cheer with its savory-sweet symphony of crispy bacon and jewel-like pomegranate seeds nestled in golden, flaky pastry. Guests will marvel at this elegant centerpiece that blends rich flavors and seasonal charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter (melted)
Seasonings:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for the pastry.
- Fry bacon until achieving a crisp texture, then carefully crumble into delicate fragments.
- Create a savory mixture by combining the bacon bits, finely shredded cheese, and a subtle seasoning of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Gently unfold the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet, providing an even base for the festive creation.
- Distribute the bacon-cheese blend uniformly across the pastry surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slice the pastry into slender 1-inch strips using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Carefully twist each strip and arrange them in a circular wreath formation, delicately pinching the ends to maintain the shape.
- Apply a generous brushing of melted butter over the pastry, creating a glossy and golden finish.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry achieves a rich golden color and becomes beautifully puffed.
- Once removed from the oven, embellish the wreath with vibrant pomegranate seeds and freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve the pastry wreath warm, inviting guests to enjoy the festive appetizer.
Notes
- Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and flavor intensity in every bite.
- Ensure puff pastry remains chilled until just before using to maintain its flaky texture and prevent sticking.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter when slicing strips for clean, even edges that create a professional-looking wreath design.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or fontina for unique flavor profiles that complement the bacon’s richness.
- Sprinkle extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that elevates the festive presentation.
- Pat pomegranate seeds dry before garnishing to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy.
- For gluten-free options, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives or use phyllo dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg