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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).
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 When I originally made these, it was just a few days before Thanksgiving.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!
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 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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
I made these with thicker bacon and it was more difficult, particularly when the bacon caramelized and stuck to the racks. Also, the burnt smell was less appetizing in my house. They did taste good. Going to try again with thin bacon.
Hey Jessica,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Hey! Would these freeze well?
Hey Sydney,
Yes, they would be great! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try these! How far in advance can these be made?
Hey Sandy,
You could assemble these in advance, keep in the fridge, and then bake when you are ready to serve. I hope you love the recipe! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Made them….they were to die for…new family fave!
Thanks so much Victoria! xTieghan
Amazing! Underrated recipe. I made this tonight and it was surprisingly simple and tasted amazing! 5/5
Hey Ashton,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am thrilled that it worked out for you! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I forgot to leave my 5 star rating for this YUMMY appetizer. I highly recommend serving these at any event.
Thanks so much Karen:)
I made these for our couples Christmas party and they were a hit. They really taste as delicious as they look. I did cut my bacon in half because it was too wide even though it wasn’t thick bacon and it worked perfect. Cant wait to try another of your recipes.
Hey Karen,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
New favorite!! These are so damn delicious!!
Thanks so much Niki! xTieghan
Just made these for an intimate little ugly sweater gathering and they were the standout! I used 1 tsp of cayenne and that was plenty and we love spicy food. I love Rosemary so I went with 2 Tbsps in the brown sugar mix. After placing the twists on the rack I chunked on whatever sugar was still leftover. The flavor combo was amazing! Savory sweet and a little spicy – absolutely perfect…100% making these again! I will they say they were a little trickier to work with than I thought bc the dough got soft and sticky as it warmed up. I arranged them a good 5 hours ahead of time and just kept in the fridge until my guests arrived and that worked out perfectly. Mine were done in about 40 mins.
Hey Beata,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, I am so glad you enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Made these on Sunday…realllly tasty but oh boy were they hard to get off the rack!!?! I tried the second batch just using a baking tin with foil-backed parchment and they didnt stick one bit.
Thanks for this recipe, soo nice – sticky, salty and cheesey ?
Thank you so much Leah! I am really glad these turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Genius!
Made this today, it is easy and delicious.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! xTieghan
I commented above that these tasted good but turned out soggy. You said they need to be cooked on a baking rack. I was unable to reply directly there, but I actually did use a rack. I even tried reheating in an air fryer on a rack. Still soggy. And extremely smoky in the oven. Maybe just the specific bacon I used? Or can it be partially cooked first?
Hi Kim,
Really sorry about this, I haven’t had this experience so I am really not sure what could have happened. Maybe try a different bacon? I get mine from Whole Foods. I hope this helps!!
I made this recipe last night and it is…OH MY GOODNESS…FABULOUS! Honestly, they tasted as good as they look with the sweetness of the brown sugar-rosemary mixture beautifully balancing out the smokiness of the bacon. Will DEFINITELY be making these again.
Thank you so much Carrie! xTieghan
These are delicious! I’ve made the twice so far and this recipe is a keeper.
Thank you so much Debbie! xTieghan
I’m wondering about twisting these up ahead of time and keeping in the fridge to cook right before I want to serve them. Do you think that would work or would it mess up the puff pastry?
Hey Laura,
I think that would be totally fine to do! I hope you enjoy the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Holidays! xTieghan