The holidays! A time for twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of cheesy bacon puff pastry twists wafting through the air. These flaky, savory treats have become the stuff of legend in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share with you why they’ve earned a permanent spot on my holiday menu.
Let’s set the scene: it’s Thanksgiving week, and the anticipation for festive feasts is palpable. In my world, the holidays are an extra special affair, and this year, I’m pulling out all the stops. From decking the halls to dreaming up the perfect gifts, I’m all in. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance of any holiday gathering—the appetizers.
The Birth of a Tradition
As we count down the days to Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of the humble beginnings of these cheesy bacon puff pastry twists. Born out of a need for a simple yet crowd-pleasing appetizer back in 2013, these twists quickly rose to fame in my family. With a brood of bacon-loving brothers, it was a no-brainer that these twists would be a hit. But little did I know, they would become a cherished tradition, eagerly anticipated at both Thanksgiving and Christmas year after year.
What makes these twists so popular? It’s the harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes them downright addictive. Imagine biting into a twist of flaky puff pastry, oozing with melted cheddar, wrapped in salty bacon that’s been kissed with a coating of rosemary brown sugar. It’s a flavor explosion that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you reaching for just one more.
Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results
The magic of these twists isn’t just in their taste—it’s also in their simplicity. Using store-bought puff pastry as a base, these twists come together in a snap. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, while the thin-cut bacon ensures an even cook and a delightful crispness. And let’s not forget the rosemary brown sugar mixture that transforms the bacon into a candied delight.
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need:
Store-bought puff pastry (pre-rolled to save time)
Sharp cheddar cheese slices
Cayenne pepper
Thin-cut streaky bacon
Fresh rosemary
Brown sugar
Egg (for brushing)
Crafting the Perfect Twists
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite with the backstory and tantalizing description of these cheesy bacon puff pastry twists, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get down to the nitty-gritty of crafting these delights in your own kitchen.
The beauty of using store-bought puff pastry is the convenience it brings to this recipe. There’s no need to spend hours folding and rolling dough when you can simply unwrap a sheet of pre-made pastry. For the best results, I recommend opting for a pre-rolled puff pastry, ensuring even thickness and saving you the extra step of rolling it out yourself. Remember, we’re aiming for a 14″x9″ (35.5cm x 22cm) dimension to get the perfect size for our twists.
Once you’ve got your pastry laid out, it’s time to add the first layer of flavor: cheese. A sharp cheddar is my go-to for its robust taste that can stand up to the other ingredients. Lay the cheese slices evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border to ensure a good seal once folded. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon beautifully.
Now, fold your pastry in half over the cheese and press the edges to seal. Cut the pastry into strips, ready for twisting. This is where the fun begins! Take each strip and give it a few twirls to create that classic twist shape. It’s a simple step, but it adds an elegant touch to the final product.
Next up, the bacon. Thin-cut streaky bacon is essential for even cooking and the perfect crispness. Wrap each pastry twist with a strip of bacon, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight as the pastry needs room to puff up in the oven. If you’re using thicker cuts of bacon, consider slicing them in half or giving them a quick pre-cook to avoid any undercooked spots.
The pièce de résistance of these twists is the rosemary brown sugar mixture. The combination of earthy rosemary and sweet brown sugar creates a glaze that, when baked, turns the bacon into a candied sensation. Roll your bacon-wrapped twists in the mixture, making sure they’re well coated. This step not only adds a depth of flavor but also a glistening finish that makes these twists irresistible.
Before you pop these beauties into the oven, let’s talk about assembly. You can prepare these twists ahead of time, which is a godsend during the busy holiday season. Lay them out on a baking sheet, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This make-ahead approach means you can enjoy your gathering without being tied to the kitchen.
When it’s showtime, preheat your oven and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for a non-stick surface that also makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange the twists on the sheets, giving them space to expand and puff up. Brush them with a beaten egg for that golden, shiny finish, and then it’s into the oven they go.
Bake the twists until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the bacon is crisp and caramelized. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be a siren call to your guests, signaling that something extraordinary is about to be served. The twists are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, but they’re also delightful at room temperature, making them versatile for any type of gathering.
A Holiday Staple
As you can see, these cheesy bacon puff pastry twists are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes and a joy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner looking to impress, these twists are sure to elevate your culinary repertoire and become a staple in your entertaining toolkit.
To wrap up, let’s not forget about the other last-minute appetizers that can accompany our star twists. Mini pastry-wrapped cranberry baked brie bites, mom’s secret Christmas Eve Chex mix, goat cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates with rosemary honey—these are just a few of the crowd-pleasers that can round out your appetizer table. Each one brings its own unique flavor and flair, creating a spread that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
The holidays are a time for joy, for sharing, and for indulging in the finer things in life. These cheesy bacon puff pastry twists embody all of that and more. They’re a celebration of flavor, a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. So go ahead, give them a try, and watch as they become not just a dish, but a cherished part of your holiday traditions. And remember, when you pull these twists out of the oven, golden and glistening, you’re not just serving an appetizer—you’re creating memories that will linger long after the last crumb has been savored.
Related posts:
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists.
Cheese and Bacon Turnovers
