Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry

This Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry is an easy and delicious savory treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. The crispy puff pastry combined with savory bacon and gooey melted cheese is irresistible! These little pockets are perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick appetizer.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon

  • Cook the bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling

  • Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, and cooked bacon. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Puff Pastry

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle or square shape, about 1/8-inch thick.
  • Cut the pastry: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares (about 3-4 inches each).
  • Fill the pastry: Place a heaping spoonful of the bacon and cheese mixture in the center of each square.
  • Fold the pastry: Fold the edges of each square over the filling to form a pocket, or fold into a triangle. Press the edges down gently with a fork to seal.

4. Brush with Egg Wash

  • Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of each puff pastry pocket with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish once baked.

5. Bake the Puff Pastry

  • Bake the pastries: Arrange the filled puff pastry pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  • Cool slightly: Let the bacon and cheese puff pastries cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving.
  • Serve warm as a snack or appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of ketchup, mustard, or a spicy dipping sauce.
  • Pair with a fresh side salad for a light lunch.
  • Great with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
  • Serve with a cup of soup for a cozy meal.
  • These puff pastries are perfect for a brunch spread.

Cooking Tips

  • Make ahead: You can assemble the puff pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake them just before serving.
  • Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, melty filling.
  • Add veggies: You can add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach for added flavor and texture.
  • Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Bacon provides a good source of protein and essential fats, though it should be eaten in moderation.
  • Cheese is rich in calcium and helps support bone health.
  • Puff pastry adds a delicious buttery flavor but is best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its higher calorie content.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Not suitable (contains bacon).
  • Gluten-Free: Not suitable (contains puff pastry with gluten).
  • Dairy-Free: Not suitable (contains cream cheese and cheese).
  • Nut-Free: Yes.
  • Can Be Made Ahead: Yes, you can assemble these and refrigerate them before baking.

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover puff pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked puff pastries before cooking. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry combines the best of both worlds: crispy, flaky pastry and savory, gooey cheese and bacon. The flavors are comforting and satisfying, making these little pastries perfect for almost any occasion. They’re easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite fillings, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a party appetizer, or a fun brunch dish, these puff pastries are a guaranteed hit!

Conclusion

If you’re craving a simple yet indulgent treat, these Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastries are a must-try! With crispy puff pastry, melted cheese, and savory bacon, they’re an irresistible snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends, these pastries are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every delicious, cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these puff pastries ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pastries ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them when ready to serve.

2. Can I use other meats besides bacon? Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with cooked sausage, ham, or even chicken.

3. Is it possible to make these vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I freeze these puff pastries? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked puff pastries. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. What other cheese options can I use? You can use Gruyère, Swiss, or feta for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I make these gluten-free? Unfortunately, these puff pastries require regular puff pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free puff pastry alternatives at most grocery stores.

7. Can I add a dipping sauce to these? Yes, serve with ketchup, mustard, or a spicy mayo for extra flavor.

8. How can I keep them crispy? After baking, let the pastries cool on a wire rack to keep them crispy.

9. Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

10. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.: