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Bacon and Cheddar Twists Recipe

Bacon and Cheddar Twists Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade Bacon and Cheddar Twists with crispy, flaky puff pastry spirals. This easy baking recipe combines the best savory flavors of sharp cheddar and smoky bacon for irresistible appetizers or snacks. The secret is in the laminated dough technique that creates perfectly golden, buttery layers every time.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Serves:
24 twists
Overhead shot of golden-brown, spiral-shaped pastry twists arranged on a rustic wooden board, with visible flecks of crispy bacon and pockets of melted cheddar creating appetizing color contrast. A few twists are positioned upright to showcase their distinctive spiral pattern and layers of flaky pastry. Soft natural light highlights the glossy, slightly caramelized cheese edges and buttery sheen, while scattered fresh thyme sprigs and a small ramekin of Dijon mustard for dipping add vibrant color accents. The composition suggests casual elegant entertaining, with a few twists appearing to be freshly broken to reveal the stretchy cheese pulls and bacon-studded interior.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">320g ready-made puff pastry (all-butter variety preferred)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g bacon, finely chopped and cooked until crisp</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, beaten</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp Dijon mustard</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife or pizza cutter</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The high temperature is crucial for creating those beautifully flaky, crisp layers in your pastry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Cook your bacon in a frying pan until crisp, then drain on kitchen paper and chop finely. The bacon needs to be crispy before baking as it won't crisp up much more inside the pastry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> In a bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, chopped crispy bacon, fresh thyme, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors will be evenly distributed throughout your twists. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry to approximately a 40cm x 30cm rectangle with an even thickness of about 3-4mm. The uniform thickness ensures even baking and that signature flaky texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Brush the surface of the pastry lightly with beaten egg, then evenly sprinkle the cheese-bacon mixture over half of the pastry rectangle, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. The egg acts as a "glue" to help the filling stick to the pastry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Fold the empty half of pastry over the filled half and gently press down with your palms to seal. Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from escaping during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the edges to create a neat rectangle, then cut the pastry into approximately 24 strips, each about 1.5cm wide. Clean, decisive cuts help maintain the layers in the pastry for maximum flakiness. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Take each strip and twist it several times, gently stretching as you twist. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3cm between each one as they will expand during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Brush each twist with more beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish, then sprinkle with any remaining cheese if desired. The egg wash creates that irresistible shine and helps with browning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the twists are puffed up and golden brown. You'll know they're done when the cheese is bubbling and the pastry has multiple visible flaky layers. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly so the twists hold their shape better. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. These twists are at their crispiest on the day they're made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and refreshed in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes before serving. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Bacon and Cheddar Twists Recipe?

The main ingredients include ready-made puff pastry, mature cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, eggs, fresh thyme, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika. These combine to create the perfect balance of savory, cheesy flavors with flaky texture.

How to cook Bacon and Cheddar Twists Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Bacon and Cheddar Twists by preheating your oven to 200°C, preparing a cheese-bacon filling, spreading it on puff pastry, folding, cutting into strips, and twisting before baking for 18-20 minutes until golden and flaky. The key technique is in properly twisting the pastry strips to create those signature spiral layers.

Can I prepare these savory pastry twists ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the twists up to the twisting stage and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked twists for up to a month and bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

What's the secret to achieving perfectly flaky layers in puff pastry twists?

The secret lies in keeping the pastry cold throughout preparation, making clean cuts with a sharp knife, and twisting with gentle tension. Additionally, a hot oven (200°C) is crucial as the sudden heat creates steam that separates the pastry layers for maximum flakiness.

What dipping sauces pair well with cheesy bacon pastry appetizers?

Classic companions include honey mustard, caramelized onion chutney, sweet chilli jam, or a simple marinara. For more sophistication, try a balsamic glaze or cranberry sauce. These dips complement the savory, cheesy flavors while adding a contrasting sweet or tangy element.

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The secret is in the laminated dough technique that creates perfectly golden, buttery layers every time.", "prepTime": "PT30M", "cookTime": "PT20M", "totalTime": "PT50M", "keywords": "bacon cheddar twists, savory pastry appetizers, cheese straws, puff pastry snacks, party food", "recipeYield": "24", "recipeCategory": "Appetizer", "recipeCuisine": "American", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "165 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "11 g", "proteinContent": "4 g", "fatContent": "12 g", "saturatedFatContent": "5 g", "cholesterolContent": "25 mg", "sodiumContent": "220 mg", "sugarContent": "0 g", "servingSize": "1 serving" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "320g ready-made puff pastry (all-butter variety preferred)", "200g mature cheddar cheese, finely grated", "150g bacon, finely chopped and cooked until crisp", "1 large egg, beaten", "1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)", "1 tsp Dijon mustard", "1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper", "1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Preheat oven", "text": "Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The high temperature is crucial for creating those beautifully flaky, crisp layers in your pastry." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare bacon", "text": "Cook your bacon in a frying pan until crisp, then drain on kitchen paper and chop finely. The bacon needs to be crispy before baking as it won't crisp up much more inside the pastry." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix filling", "text": "In a bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, chopped crispy bacon, fresh thyme, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors will be evenly distributed throughout your twists." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Roll pastry", "text": "On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry to approximately a 40cm x 30cm rectangle with an even thickness of about 3-4mm. The uniform thickness ensures even baking and that signature flaky texture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add filling", "text": "Brush the surface of the pastry lightly with beaten egg, then evenly sprinkle the cheese-bacon mixture over half of the pastry rectangle, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. The egg acts as a \"glue\" to help the filling stick to the pastry." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Fold pastry", "text": "Fold the empty half of pastry over the filled half and gently press down with your palms to seal. Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from escaping during baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cut strips", "text": "Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the edges to create a neat rectangle, then cut the pastry into approximately 24 strips, each about 1.5cm wide. Clean, decisive cuts help maintain the layers in the pastry for maximum flakiness." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Twist strips", "text": "Take each strip and twist it several times, gently stretching as you twist. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3cm between each one as they will expand during baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Egg wash", "text": "Brush each twist with more beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish, then sprinkle with any remaining cheese if desired. The egg wash creates that irresistible shine and helps with browning." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the twists are puffed up and golden brown. You'll know they're done when the cheese is bubbling and the pastry has multiple visible flaky layers." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and serve", "text": "Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly so the twists hold their shape better. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "138" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Roberto Martinez", "datePublished": "2023-07-25", "reviewBody": "Disappeared faster than I could serve! Made these for a family gathering and they were gone within minutes. The combination of crispy pastry with the smoky bacon is absolutely perfect.", "name": "Party Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Sharma", "datePublished": "2023-08-12", "reviewBody": "Perfect savory snack for game day! I made these for our Sunday football watching and they were a huge hit. The cheese pull is absolutely magnificent and worth the effort.", "name": "Game Day Winner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Pedersen", "datePublished": "2023-09-05", "reviewBody": "Flaky pastry with amazing cheese pull! I was intimidated by the twisting technique but the instructions were clear and they turned out beautifully. Will definitely make again.", "name": "Impressive Results", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei-Ling Wong", "datePublished": "2023-09-18", "reviewBody": "Better than bakery versions, honestly! The homemade touch makes all the difference. I added a pinch of cayenne for extra kick and it worked wonderfully with the bacon and cheese.", "name": "Better Than Store-Bought", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophia Kowalski", "datePublished": "2023-10-10", "reviewBody": "Kids request these weekly now! I've made these three times in the past month because my family keeps asking for them. Worth the extra folding time for that perfect flaky texture!", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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