Ingredients:

• 300 g (10 oz) puff pastry, thawed if using frozen
• Bacon (4-6 slices, depending on preference)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 80 g (3 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps to Make Savory Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
   Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a rectangular shape about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick. The size should be roughly 12×10 inches, but feel free to adjust depending on how thick or thin you want your pastry.
3. Spread the Tomato Paste
   Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread a thin, even layer of tomato paste over the puff pastry, leaving a small border (around 1 cm) along the edges.
4. Add the Bacon
   Lay slices of bacon evenly across the tomato-covered puff pastry. If the bacon strips are too long, trim them to fit within the pastry’s dimensions.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the bacon. Mozzarella gives a mild, creamy melt, but you can add more cheese or even use a blend with cheddar for extra flavor if you prefer.
6. Top with Fresh Parsley
   Scatter the freshly chopped parsley over the cheese for a pop of color and freshness. It complements the richness of the bacon and cheese nicely.
7. Roll the Pastry
   Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Be gentle but firm, ensuring the roll is compact but not squashing the ingredients. Pinch the seam at the end to seal the roll.
8. Cut into Slices
   Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into even sections, about 1 inch thick. You should get around 8-10 slices, depending on the size of your roll.
9. Egg Wash
   Transfer the slices to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides of each pastry roll with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
10. Bake
    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The bacon should be crispy, and the cheese melted.
11. Serve
    Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory bacon and cheese puff pastry rolls warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg
• Sodium: 430 mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella provides a mild flavor, but you can substitute it with cheddar, gouda, or even a smoky cheese like provolone for added depth.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like tempeh or soy bacon. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.

3. How do I prevent my puff pastry from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure you don’t overload the pastry with tomato paste or cheese. Also, make sure your bacon isn’t too fatty—using crispy bacon works best for this recipe.

Tips for Making Perfect Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Roll:

1. Keep the Pastry Cold
   Puff pastry works best when it’s cold. If your kitchen is warm, place the rolled pastry back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before slicing and baking. This helps it puff up beautifully in the oven.
2. Pre-cook the Bacon
   If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook it before adding it to the puff pastry. Just fry the bacon until it’s halfway done, then add it to the pastry. This way, it will be fully cooked and crispy after baking.
3. Customize the Filling
   The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add extras like sautéed onions, garlic, or mushrooms for added flavor. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can also give it a spicy kick.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerating:
If you have leftovers, you can store the bacon and cheese puff pastry rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy again.

Freezing:
These puff pastry rolls can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, slice the rolls and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can do so directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If freezing after baking, let the rolls cool completely before freezing them. To reheat, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion:

This bacon and cheese puff pastry roll recipe is the epitome of an easy yet indulgent dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something savory, this recipe hits the spot. The combination of flaky puff pastry, savory bacon, melted mozzarella, and tangy tomato paste creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. With its customizable filling options and make-ahead potential, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try it out, and enjoy the compliments rolling in