Next Post
Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists…the holiday appetizer that everyone asks for…year after year. They’re quick, easy, and everyone loves these sweet and savory twists. Flaky puff pastry twisted up with cheese, wrapped in salty bacon, then tossed in a rosemary brown sugar. Bake these twists in the oven until the bacon is crisp and “candied”. There never seems to be enough of these…addictive, festive, and perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.
Tis’ the season for all the appetizers and holiday cheer. We’ve entered Thanksgiving week and as you can guess, I’m ready for it. The holidays feel even more special this year and I’m really making an effort to do everything. Decorating? It’s in the works. Thinking up fun holiday giveaways? Yes, yes, of course (anything on your wish list?). Plotting out the best Christmas gifts for my family? Workin on it.
I’m being overly ambitious for sure, but something inside me wants to make both Thanksgiving and Christmas extra special this year. I blame it all on the year we’ve had. It’s been so crazy and I’m ready for the familiar happiness of the holidays. If you’re a Scrooge, I’m apologizing now for all the holiday talk yet to come.
With Thanksgiving only 3 days away, I’ve started to plan, prep, and roll out all the last-minute recipes that literally anyone can make. When my list of holiday “to-do’s” is a mile long, it’s the easy recipes like these twists that really come in clutch (as my brothers like to say).
The history on these twists.
These twists have been around since 2013. They’ve been so well-loved over the years. They’re a personal favorite of mine. I love them because they’re the easiest to make. And along with their ease, they’re also way too good.
I say way too good because stopping at just one twist is nearly impossible. The sweet and savory flavors make these fun twists addicting. When I originally made these, it was just a few days before Thanksgiving. I was looking for an easy appetizer to serve my family. With five (now six) brothers…all of whom love bacon, I knew these had serious potential to be very well-loved.
When I made them for Thanksgiving that year, it was also the year that I botched the cocktails. If I remember correctly, I believe I tried to make a candy cane martini. Let’s just say it wasn’t for them. Thankfully, I had these twists on hand, and thankfully, they turned out to be the star of Thanksgiving. They’ve now become tradition. Everyone looks forward to them each year…and I usually make them for Christmas too!
Here are the details.
These are pretty simple, and honestly, kind of fun to make.
Start with my go-to holiday ingredient, a little store-bought puff pastry. Roll it out, top it with cheddar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Now fold the pastry in half and cut it into strips. I tried to get a few process photos for you guys so you could see more of what I’m talking about.
Now twist the strips up, then wrap each strip in thin cut bacon. Using thin cut bacon is key here. It will cook more evenly and quicker. If you have thicker pieces of bacon, I would cut each in half.
The secret to these festive twists?
The secret to these twists is the sweet and savory mix of brown sugar and fresh rosemary that coats the bacon. Mix the two together, then roll the bacon twists through the sugar mix. Once baked, you’ll have a cheesy pastry, wrapped in sweet candied bacon.
It might seem like a rather odd combination, but trust me, it’s very delicious. And also what makes these twists addictingly good.
You can assemble these mini bites ahead of time, then just bake them up once guests arrive. They can be served warm or at room temperature. Though I think they’re best warm and fresh out of the oven.
So you see? These are pretty close to being the perfect holiday appetizer, and the rosemary keeps them flavorful and festive too.
These are just as great for Thanksgiving as they will be for all upcoming holiday dinners…and nights full of decorating!!!
Looking for other easy last-minute appetizers? Here are my favorites:
Mini Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites
Mom’s Secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with Rosemary Honey
Lastly, if you make these Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twist, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch The How To Video:
Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
Servings: 26 Twists
Calories Per Serving: 285 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, using to your taste
- kosher salt and black pepper.
- 2 sheets (1 box) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 24 strips thin cut bacon, or 12 sticks of thicker bacon, halved
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Line 2 baking sheets with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly rub each rack with olive oil. 2. In a shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar, rosemary, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. 3. Place both sheets of pastry on a lightly floured counter. Brush the surface of each with a beaten egg. Evenly sprinkle about 1/2 cup of cheese over each sheet, then sprinkle with cayenne. Dust a rolling pin lightly with flour and roll the rolling pin over the cheese, gently pressing the cheese into the pastry. Fold the pastry in half, then cut each into 12 (1/2 inch) wide strips. Pinch the ends to seal, then gently twist each strip several times to enclose the cheese. It's ok if some of the cheese falls out. 4. Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around the twisted pastry. Repeat with the remaining twists. Dredge the twist through the brown sugar mix, tossing to coat, placing the twist on the prepared baking sheet as you go. 5. Bake 30 to 50 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. My bacon took 50 minutes to cook, start checking the twists at around 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature...though I love them warm!
Made these the other day and they were a hit! They were a bit sweet because of the brown sugar, so next time I think I’ll opt out on the brown sugar for a more savory appetizer!
Hey Amy,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy New Year! xTieghan
WARNING:THESE THINGS ARE EVIL!!! I made a batch for Christmas Eve this year and they did not last. Even my mother in law, who is a beacon of self control, came back for seconds and thirds.
Hey Megan,
LOL, I am so excited that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving them a try! Happy New Year! xTieghan
I made most in the oven and the extras in my air fryer. Both tasted great but the oven ones puffed up more. I don’t think I had the air fryer hot enough to make the pastry puff up. The family loved them though!
Hey Janice,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Anyone tried Phillo in place of the puffy pastry?
Hey Julie,
I’ve not tested this, my only concern is the puff pastry would be too delicate, but you can certainly give it a try! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
So addicting
Thank you! xTieghan
Our store only had the pastry puffs not the sheets.. do you think I can still somehow use them for this recipe??
Hey Whitney,
Sorry what shape did they come in? I think you can try to make it work! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
These look so good I just cooked them but am not sure at what point the bacon is done? I used thick cut and put them in for 40 minutes but after biting into one it is definitely less cooked on the bottom. Confusing to me because it is black on some parts. When is the bacon done ? Thanks:)
Hey Amanda,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe, the bacon is done when it is full cooked through. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I made these christmas day and they were so delicious!!!!
Hey Lisa,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Made these with thinly rolled out pizza dough, and microwaved thick country smoked bacon stuffed between the layers of dough before twisting them. 20 minutes for 4 twists at 375 degrees. Great Xmas morning breakfast. Than you!
Hey Clair,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Love these! I used Trader Joe’s croissant dough in the rolls so mine turned out a bit puffier but still taste DELICIOUS! I also Found it easier to lay a half strip of bacon on them, then start twisting and lost less cheese this way! So easy and fun to make can’t wait to share them with friends in the morning! Thank you
Oh and DONT try and cool them on paper towel, my first batch got the sticky sugar parts stuck to it and was a hot mess to get off.
Hey Kristin,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
These are amazing!! Can you make them ahead of time and bake them later (like the next morning) if you are on a time crunch?
Hey Sarah,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you. Yes, you can assemble a head of time and keep in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
this is amazing and so, so easy. my father is going to be so happy to eat a bacon bread this christmas eve ❤️ i used dried rosemary in the sugar mix instead of fresh and it was perfect!
Hey Andriana,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
About the Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists . . . can you slow down the video a bit? Thanks.
Hey Carol,
Sorry this is the only speed I have for the video. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Loved your IGTV with Katie!!!
Do you have a newsletter or blog that I can access?
Your recipes are all amazing and right up my alley!!!
Merry Christmas ?
Hey Julie,
Thanks so much! Yes, you can sign up for the newsletter on the homepage! https://www.halfbakedharvest.com
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hi! Love your recipes, planning to make these tomorrow! What could I do if I don’t have a wire rack to bake these on?
Hey Emma,
I would try to elevate them in some way so they are not sitting in the bacon grease. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Holidays! xTieghan