Bacon and Cheese Pastries are the perfect combination of flaky, buttery puff pastry, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. These savory treats are quick to make and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or as an appetizer. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 pastries
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Sheets: 1 (about 250g)
- Cooked Bacon: 6-8 slices, chopped
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup (100g) (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cream Cheese (optional): 2 tablespoons, softened
- Salt: A pinch
- Pepper: A pinch
- Chopped Chives (optional): 1 tablespoon
Directions
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to a thin rectangle.
Add the Filling:
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the pastry if using.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese and chopped bacon across the surface.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional chives for extra flavor.
Shape the Pastry:
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log or fold it over to create layers.
- Cut into 6-8 equal pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Apply the Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to create a golden finish.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Serve:
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of sour cream or a creamy dipping sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a savory breakfast.
- Top with a dollop of guacamole or salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Serve as part of a party platter alongside other finger foods.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use pre-cooked bacon to save time and avoid excess grease in the pastry.
- Thaw frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for easy handling.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Parmesan for unique flavors.
- Ensure the edges are sealed well if folding the pastry to prevent leaking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even puffing and browning.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein.
- Bacon: Adds protein and flavor.
- Puff Pastry: Offers carbohydrates for energy.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: No, contains bacon (omit bacon or substitute with veggie bacon for a vegetarian version).
- Dairy-Free: No, contains cheese (use dairy-free cheese for a substitute).
- Gluten-Free: No, contains puff pastry (use gluten-free puff pastry for an alternative).
Nutritional Facts (Per Pastry)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Versatile and customizable with different fillings or cheeses.
- Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to party appetizers.
- Deliciously flaky and packed with savory flavors.
- Can be made ahead and reheated for convenience.
Conclusion
Bacon and Cheese Pastries are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines flaky puff pastry with rich, savory fillings. These pastries are versatile, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a party, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe.
- What other fillings can I use? Try adding caramelized onions, spinach, or mushrooms for variety.
- Can I make these pastries ahead of time? Yes, assemble the pastries and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze them? Yes, freeze unbaked pastries and bake them directly from frozen.
- What’s the best way to reheat them? Use an oven or toaster oven to maintain their crisp texture.
- Can I use turkey bacon? Absolutely, turkey bacon is a great alternative to pork bacon.
- What cheeses work best? Cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère are all excellent options.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, replace bacon with vegetarian bacon or skip it entirely.
- How do I keep the pastry crispy? Avoid overfilling and let the pastries cool on a wire rack.
- Can I add spices? Yes, try sprinkling paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Enjoy these flaky, cheesy, and savory pastries that are perfect for any time of day!