Cheesy Bacon & Herb Pastry Twists
Description
These Cheesy Bacon & Herb Pastry Twists are golden, crispy, flaky, and packed with savory bacon, melty cheese, and fragrant herbs. Made with ready-made puff pastry, they come together quickly and make an irresistible appetizer, party snack, brunch treat, or holiday finger food. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels, let it cool, and finely chop.
- Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle.
- Sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped bacon, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over half of the pastry.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling and gently press down.
- Cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Carefully twist each strip several times and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each twist.
- Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
- Allow the twists to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips
- Chill the prepared twists for 10–15 minutes before baking for an extra-flaky texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting.
- Don’t overfill the pastry, or the cheese may escape during baking.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy herb dip.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Yes! Turkey bacon works well if you prefer a lighter option.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the twists, cover them, and refrigerate for several hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze pastry twists?
A: Yes. Freeze unbaked twists on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar and mozzarella make a great combination, but Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan can also be used.
Q: How do I keep them crispy?
A: Cool them on a wire rack after baking instead of leaving them on the hot baking sheet.
Q: Can I make them spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a little hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
