Twisted Puff Pastry Appetizer (Cheese & Bacon Edition)
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), thawed
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
4–5 slices cooked bacon, chopped (or use ham or salami)
1 small bell pepper, finely diced (optional for color & flavor)
2–3 tablespoons cream cheese or ricotta (for creaminess)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Optional: garlic powder, black pepper, or Italian seasoning
Instructions:Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Prepare Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface.
Cut the sheet into long rectangles (about 3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long).
Add Filling:
On one half of each rectangle (lengthwise), spread a little cream cheese.
Add shredded cheese, chopped bacon, bell pepper, and any herbs or seasonings.
Be generous but don’t overfill — you want to be able to twist or braid it easily.
Fold & Twist:
Fold the other half of the pastry over the filled side (like closing a book).
Lightly press down edges, then make slits or cuts along the length of the top side (but not all the way through).
Twist gently to form a spiral shape, or leave as a folded braid look (as shown in the image).
Egg Wash:
Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry for a golden finish.
Bake:
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives after baking.
Serve warm — they’re perfect for dipping in sour cream or a marinara sauce!
Tips:You can prep these in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Swap fillings with whatever you like: spinach & feta, mushrooms & garlic, or even pizza-style (pepperoni & marinara).
Great for brunches, potlucks, or a fast party snack.
