This recipe yields delicious and visually appealing Savory Puff Pastry Twists filled with a flavorful combination of bacon and cheese. Puff pastry, known for its light, flaky layers created by alternating dough and butter, provides a delightful base for a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory. In this recipe, the buttery layers of puff pastry are enhanced by the salty, smoky flavor of bacon and the rich, melty goodness of cheese, creating a satisfying and elegant appetizer, snack, or light meal. The process typically involves thawing store-bought puff pastry sheets, which are then lightly rolled out to create a larger surface area. A filling of cooked and crumbled bacon and shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère) is spread over the pastry. The filled pastry is then folded in half and cut into strips, which are twisted to create their characteristic spiral shape. These twists are brushed with an egg wash to promote browning and a glossy finish, and then baked until golden brown and puffed up. The baking process renders the pastry incredibly light and flaky, while the bacon becomes crispy and the cheese melts into a gooey, savory filling. The twists can be seasoned with herbs like parsley or chives for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Savory Puff Pastry Twists with Bacon and Cheese are versatile and can be served warm as an appetizer at parties, enjoyed as a savory snack, or paired with a salad for a light lunch. Their attractive twisted shape and delicious filling make them a hit with both adults and children. The image shows the preparation and the final baked product. The top panel depicts hands assembling the twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Strips of puff pastry are filled with what appears to be bacon and possibly cheese and herbs, and then twisted. The bottom panel showcases the baked twists, which are golden brown, puffed, and show the layers of pastry and the savory filling. Some are sprinkled with chopped herbs.
The texture of Savory Puff Pastry Twists with Bacon and Cheese is wonderfully flaky and crispy on the outside, giving way to a slightly chewy interior with pockets of melted, gooey cheese and savory, sometimes crispy, bacon.
The flavor profile is a delightful combination of buttery and slightly rich puff pastry, the salty and smoky taste of bacon, and the savory, often sharp or mild, flavor of the melted cheese. Herbs can add a fresh, aromatic note.
Savory Puff Pastry Twists with Bacon and Cheese are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or light meal, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple savory treat.
The preparation involves filling puff pastry with bacon and cheese, twisting the strips, brushing with egg wash, and then baking until golden and puffed.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a blend)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional, depending on bacon and cheese saltiness)
Equipment:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Pastry brush
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and then crumble. In a bowl, combine the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. If using, stir in the chopped fresh herbs. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed, keeping in mind that bacon and some cheeses are already salty.
- Assemble the Twists:
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. If desired, you can lightly roll it out to a slightly larger rectangle.
- Spread half of the bacon and cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the puff pastry sheet in half to enclose the filling. Gently press the edges to seal.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the folded pastry into strips about ¾ to 1 inch wide.
- Take one strip at a time and twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Place the twisted strip on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining bacon and cheese filling.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of the assembled pastry twists with the egg wash. This will help them brown beautifully and develop a glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the savory puff pastry twists cool slightly on the baking sheets before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture. Make sure to remove excess moisture from cooked vegetables before adding them to the pastry.
- Spices and Seasonings: Enhance the flavor with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Different Meats: Instead of bacon, you can use cooked and crumbled sausage, ham, or prosciutto.
- Pesto or Spread: Spread a thin layer of pesto, sun-dried tomato spread, or cream cheese on the puff pastry before adding the bacon and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweet Version: For a sweet twist, fill the puff pastry with Nutella, jam, or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Enjoy these flaky and flavorful Savory Puff Pastry Twists with Bacon and Cheese! They are a simple yet impressive treat that is sure to be a hit.