Name: Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Straws
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese; 2 sheets puff-pastry dough (thawed but chilled); 12 slices of bacon (halved lengthwise)

When it comes to party appetizers, nothing beats a recipe that’s quick, easy, and downright irresistible. Enter Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Straws—a three-ingredient masterpiece that’s crispy, cheesy, savory, and utterly delicious. These golden twists are the ultimate finger food, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to fancy cocktail parties.

What makes these cheese straws so special? First, there’s the flaky, buttery puff pastry that forms the base. Add the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese and the smoky, salty goodness of bacon, and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist. Plus, they’re baked to perfection, with crispy edges and a rich, golden color that makes them as appealing to look at as they are to eat.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need a snack for game day, or just want a treat to pair with your favorite glass of wine, these cheese straws will be a hit. Let’s dive into why you’ll love them, how to make them, and a few tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With only three main ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of cheese, bacon, and puff pastry is universally loved and will disappear fast at any party.
Visually Stunning: The twisted design of the cheese straws makes them look elegant and impressive.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe with different cheeses, spices, or even a spicy kick for variation.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These straws can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 10 to 12 (about 24 cheese straws)
Calories (per serving): 330

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy, golden bacon-wrapped cheese straws:

1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and creates a beautifully crispy texture.
2 sheets puff-pastry dough: Thawed but still chilled to ensure it’s easy to work with and bakes to a flaky perfection.
12 slices of bacon: Halved lengthwise to fit perfectly on the puff pastry strips and twist easily.

Optional additions:

A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a touch of heat.
Freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

On a clean, flat surface, sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly. Place one sheet of puff pastry on top of the cheese. Sprinkle another ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the pastry.

Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the puff pastry to flatten it slightly, reducing its thickness from about ¼ inch to ⅛ inch. This also presses the cheese into the dough, ensuring it adheres during baking.

Step 3: Cut the Dough

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into long, thin strips about ½ inch wide. This size is ideal for creating manageable, crispy cheese straws.

Step 4: Add the Bacon and Twist

Place a slice of halved bacon lengthwise on top of each strip of puff pastry. Gently press the bacon into the dough to help it stick. Holding both ends of the strip, twist it several times to create a spiral shape.

Lay the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to press the ends lightly onto the parchment paper to help them hold their shape.

Step 5: Repeat with Remaining Ingredients

Sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the twisted strips for extra cheesiness. Repeat the layering, cutting, and twisting process with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Cheese Straws

Bake the cheese straws in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown, the bacon is crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overbrown. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the straws cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

Work with Chilled Pastry: Puff pastry is easiest to handle when it’s cold. If it becomes too soft while working, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
Crispy Bacon: To ensure the bacon crisps up nicely, avoid using thick-cut slices. Thin or regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe.
Even Twisting: Twist the strips evenly to prevent them from unraveling during baking. Pressing the ends onto the parchment helps secure them in place.
Customize the Flavor: Add spices like cayenne, paprika, or black pepper to the cheese for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave enough space between the cheese straws on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and proper airflow.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Bacon Cheese Straws: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the Parmesan cheese for a spicy twist.
Herbed Cheese Straws: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the cheese for a fragrant, savory flavor.
Cheese Blend Straws: Mix Parmesan with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Asiago for a more complex cheese flavor.
Maple Bacon Straws: Brush the bacon with a light coating of maple syrup before twisting for a sweet and savory combination.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 330
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 14g
Sugar: 1g

How to Serve

These bacon-wrapped cheese straws are versatile and can be served in several ways:

Appetizer Platter: Arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.
Party Snack: Serve them as finger food for cocktail parties or game days. They pair beautifully with beer, wine, or sparkling beverages.
Brunch Side: Add them to a brunch spread alongside quiches, fresh fruit, and mimosas.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese straws in advance by assembling them and storing them on the baking sheet in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking.

Storage: Store leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezing: Freeze unbaked cheese straws on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Straws are a game-changer when it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers. They’re crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon goodness, making them the ultimate snack for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing for a party, celebrating the holidays, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Try them out, share them with friends and family, and get ready for rave reviews.

I’d love to see your creations—tag me on social media or leave a comment below to share how your cheese straws turned out. Enjoy every delicious bite!