These Southern 3-Ingredient Cheesy Bacon Straws bake into golden puff pastry twists with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon tucked between the folds. The exposed pastry turns crisp, and the cheese browns in spots along the edges.
What You’ll Need
- Puff pastry. Thaw one sheet until it unfolds easily but still feels cool. Cool pastry is easier to cut and twist.
- Crisp bacon. Cook eight slices, drain and cool them, then crumble them finely. Small pieces cling to the pastry more easily as you twist it.
- Sharp cheddar. Use 1½ cups shredded cheddar. Fine shreds spread evenly and are easier to press into the dough.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Straws
Unfold the pastry on a clean work surface and scatter the cheddar and bacon evenly over it. Press lightly with your palms so the toppings stick, then cut the sheet into thin strips with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Lift each strip by both ends and twist it several times without pulling it longer. Set the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between them. If a strip unwinds, press its ends gently against the parchment.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, until the twists are puffed and deeply golden. Check the thicker folds for pale, doughy spots before taking the tray out. Let the straws cool for a few minutes so the cheese firms enough to lift them cleanly.
Tips for Crisp Puff Pastry Twists
- Keep the pastry cool. If it gets soft or sticky while you work, chill the strips briefly before twisting.
- Press the toppings in gently. A light press helps the bacon and cheese stay in place without flattening the pastry.
- Leave room on the tray. Space between twists lets the pastry puff and the edges brown.
Serving and Make-Ahead Ideas
Serve the straws with pepper jelly, honey mustard, or a platter of crisp vegetables. They also make a savory side for tomato soup or a green salad.
Cook and crumble the bacon and shred the cheese ahead, then refrigerate them separately. Assemble the twists while the oven heats. Refrigerate baked leftovers in a covered container and warm them on a baking sheet to help crisp the pastry again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another cheese?
Yes. Medium cheddar gives a milder flavor, while Pepper Jack adds a little heat. Use the same amount and shred it finely.
How many straws does one sheet make?
The count depends on the size of the pastry sheet and how thinly you cut the strips. Divide the finished batch into eight appetizer portions.
Southern 3-Ingredient Cheesy Bacon Straws Recipe Card
Flaky puff pastry twists with crisp bacon and melted sharp cheddar.
- Prep time — About 15 minutes with cooked bacon and thawed pastry
- Bake time — 18–22 minutes
- Servings — 8
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and finely crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unfold the puff pastry on a clean work surface. Sprinkle evenly with the cheddar and crumbled bacon, then press gently so the toppings adhere.
- Cut the pastry into thin strips. Twist each strip several times and arrange the twists on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed, deeply golden, and crisp around the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a platter and serve warm.