Flaky, golden puff pastry filled with sizzling bacon, melted cheese, and a swipe of mustard—what more could you ask for in a quick savory treat? These Puff Pastry Bacon & Cheese Twists with Garlic-Dill Sour Cream Sauce are incredibly simple to prepare yet impressive in both presentation and flavor. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing snacks for a movie night, or just looking for a delicious way to use puff pastry, this recipe is a go-to classic. The creamy, garlicky dill sauce takes it over the top, offering a refreshing and tangy complement to the rich, cheesy interior.
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 20–25 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4–6 twists (depending on size)
Ingredients
For the pastry twists:
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300g (10 oz) puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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5–6 slices bacon (streaky or smoked, as preferred)
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2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon or grainy)
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100g (3.5 oz) cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
For the garlic-dill sour cream sauce:
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2 tablespoons sour cream
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
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A handful of fresh dill, finely chopped
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Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the filling
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread a thin layer of mustard over the entire surface.
2. Add the bacon and cheese
Place bacon slices across half the pastry. Grate or slice cheese and sprinkle evenly over the bacon.
3. Fold and seal
Fold the pastry in half over the filling like a sandwich. Press down gently, then slice into 1-inch (2.5 cm) strips.
4. Twist and egg wash
Twist each strip gently into a spiral. Lay on a parchment-lined baking tray. Beat 1 egg and brush each twist with the egg wash.
5. Bake to perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
6. Make the sauce
While the twists bake, mix sour cream with garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and chill until serving.
7. Serve and enjoy
Serve warm pastry twists with a side of the garlic-dill sour cream sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Twist)
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Calories: ~210
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 16g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 400mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish takes inspiration from European snack culture—particularly French and German influences—where puff pastry is commonly used for quick savory snacks. The addition of bacon and cheese mirrors flavors found in Alsatian tarts, while the dill-garlic sour cream dip evokes Eastern European flavor pairings. Its popularity has skyrocketed with the rise of quick savory pastry recipes on social media.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
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Customizable: Swap out meats, cheeses, or spreads.
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Perfect for any occasion: Great as an appetizer, snack, or brunch dish.
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Kid-friendly: The cheesy, flaky result is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Make-ahead friendly: Twist and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
Health Benefits
While this dish is indulgent, it can still be part of a balanced meal:
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Dill offers antioxidants and helps with digestion.
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Garlic supports immune health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Cheese provides calcium and protein.
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Sour cream contains probiotics (if cultured).
Moderation and pairing with veggies (see below) help balance the richness.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with fresh veggie sticks like cucumbers and bell peppers.
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Pair with a light soup or a green salad for lunch.
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Cut into smaller twists and offer as party appetizers with cocktail sticks.
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Add to a brunch spread with eggs, fruit, and muffins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overfilling: Too much cheese or bacon can cause leaks.
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Not sealing properly: Press the edges to prevent the filling from spilling.
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Skipping egg wash: This helps with browning and visual appeal.
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Undercooked pastry: Make sure twists are fully puffed and golden.
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Soggy bottom: Use parchment paper or a preheated tray.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: Sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc).
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Sides: Tomato soup, potato salad, or a cucumber-dill salad.
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Dips: Try spicy ketchup, aioli, or a herbed yogurt sauce.
Cooking Tips
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Use cold pastry and fillings for easier handling.
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Chill the twists in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
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Sprinkle a bit of sesame or poppy seeds on top for crunch.
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Cook bacon halfway before adding, if you want a crispier interior.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets
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Spinach and Feta Cheese Twists
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Garlic Butter Puff Pastry Breadsticks
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Mini Sausage Rolls with Mustard Dip
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Tomato-Basil Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions instead of bacon.
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Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the cheese.
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Herby: Spread pesto instead of mustard for an Italian twist.
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Breakfast: Add scrambled eggs inside and bake as breakfast bites.
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Sweet version: Use cream cheese and jam for a dessert twist.
Ingredient Spotlight: Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is a laminated dough made with layers of butter and flour. When baked, the water in the butter creates steam, making the dough rise and puff. It’s loved for its versatility and flaky texture. Always keep it cold until baking and let it puff in a preheated hot oven for best results.
Conclusion
These Puff Pastry Bacon & Cheese Twists are the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to. They’re flavorful, fun to make, and effortlessly impressive. Whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something indulgent yet simple, these twists deliver. Add the creamy garlic-dill sauce and you’ve got a snack that balances richness with freshness. Easy, elegant, and endlessly versatile, this recipe deserves a spot in every home cook’s rotation.
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can twist and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze them raw.
2. What type of cheese works best?
Use a good melting cheese like mozzarella, gouda, cheddar, or gruyère.
3. Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
You can, especially if you want it crispy. Otherwise, thin bacon slices cook during baking.
4. Can I freeze them after baking?
Yes. Reheat at 180°C (356°F) until warm and crisp again.
5. What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche as a substitute in the sauce.
6. Can I skip the mustard?
Yes. Mustard adds flavor but it’s optional. Try tomato paste or pesto instead.
7. How can I make these vegetarian?
Use grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in place of bacon.
8. Can I make it spicy?
Definitely! Add chili flakes or spicy mustard to the filling.
9. How long do leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just increase all ingredients proportionally and use multiple trays.