Irresistible Bacon Cheese Straws: Your Go-To Appetizer for Effortless Entertaining

Discover the magic of crispy, cheesy, bacony goodness with these simple-to-make Bacon Cheese Straws – the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering! Learn how to fill puff pastry with a savory bacon and cheese mixture, twist, and bake them to golden perfection.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about sharing delicious food with friends and family, especially when it comes to appetizers. These small bites set the tone for any gathering, sparking conversation and delighting taste buds before the main course even arrives. And when you can combine the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon and rich cheese into a perfectly portable, savory treat, you’ve truly hit the culinary jackpot. That’s exactly what these Bacon Cheese Straws offer: an explosion of flavor and texture that makes them an instant hit at any party, holiday feast, or casual get-together.

My passion for culinary exploration began at a young age. I vividly recall spending countless hours poring over my mom’s extensive collection of cooking magazines and cookbooks. Each month, when new issues arrived, I’d eagerly flip through the pages, circling recipes and suggesting new dishes for her to try. This early fascination with recipes and the joy of discovering new flavors undoubtedly paved the way for my current journey – sharing delicious creations and culinary insights through this blog. So, when I had the opportunity to delve into a new cookbook recently, I was absolutely thrilled. The book in question was Back Around the Table: An “In the Kitchen with David” Cookbook, by David Venable, the renowned host of QVC’s popular cooking and dining show, “In the Kitchen with David®.”

A Deep Dive into “Back Around the Table” Cookbook

My initial impression of Back Around the Table: An “In the Kitchen with David” Cookbook was one of sheer admiration. From the moment I first opened its pages, I was captivated by its stunning presentation. The book is brimming with vibrant, high-quality photographs that accompany nearly every recipe, making it not just a cooking guide but also a feast for the eyes. These gorgeous visuals truly inspire you to get into the kitchen and start cooking. I wasted no time; I immediately found a cozy spot on the couch and began to immerse myself in the diverse culinary world David Venable had crafted.

Deciding which recipe to try first proved to be a delightful challenge. The cookbook is packed with such an array of enticing dishes that narrowing it down was genuinely difficult. One recipe that instantly caught my eye and topped my mental “must-make” list was the Warm Bacon-Cheese Dip. It sounded incredibly decadent and perfect for a crowd, but I wanted to ensure it would be enjoyed to its fullest. I decided to save that particular gem for Thanksgiving, anticipating a house full of guests eager to savor its rich flavors.

Versatile Recipes for Every Home Cook

David Venable’s cookbook truly shines in its versatility, catering to virtually every culinary need. Whether you’re planning an elaborate dinner party or seeking quick and easy weeknight meals, this book has you covered. It features an impressive range of recipes, from show-stopping appetizers and mouth-watering desserts to creative twists on classic cocktails and comforting everyday dinners – including an amazing 15-minute creamy macaroni and cheese recipe that promises to become a family favorite. One of the aspects I particularly appreciated after thoroughly reviewing the recipes is David’s commitment to using everyday, accessible ingredients. This makes his recipes approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring that delicious meals are within reach without requiring a trip to a specialty store.

His collection beautifully balances nostalgic, homely dishes – like his mom’s recipes that might incorporate ingredients such as cream of chicken soup – with more contemporary and sophisticated options. You’ll find everything from hearty Chicken Quinoa Soup to elegant Lobster Dip Crostini, demonstrating the breadth of his culinary interests and expertise. This blend ensures there’s something for everyone, making the cookbook a valuable addition to any kitchen. It’s clear that David Venable understands what home cooks are looking for: reliable, delicious recipes that are both inspiring and achievable. This philosophy extends perfectly to the Bacon Cheese Straws recipe, which embodies both simplicity and gourmet appeal, making it an ideal choice for testing out the cookbook’s promise of easy, delicious entertaining.

Why Bacon Cheese Straws Are the Ultimate Party Appetizer

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: Bacon Cheese Straws. These delightful savory twists are more than just a snack; they are an experience. Imagine crispy, flaky puff pastry generously filled with a harmonious blend of rich cream cheese, sharp Parmesan, gooey mozzarella, and savory crumbled bacon, all seasoned to perfection with a hint of garlic and black pepper. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors – the satisfying crunch of the pastry, the creamy warmth of the melted cheese, and the salty, smoky punch of bacon. It’s truly difficult to stop at just one, and your guests will certainly agree!

What makes Bacon Cheese Straws so spectacular for entertaining? Firstly, their universal appeal. Who doesn’t love bacon and cheese? This combination is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing to nearly every palate. Secondly, their elegance and ease of preparation. While they look impressive and intricate, the process of making them is surprisingly straightforward, especially when using pre-made frozen puff pastry. This allows you to create a sophisticated appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen, freeing you up to enjoy your own party.

They are also incredibly versatile. Perfect for holiday parties like Thanksgiving or Christmas, festive New Year’s Eve celebrations, game day gatherings, or even just a casual weekend brunch. Their grab-and-go nature makes them ideal for mingling guests, and they taste wonderful served warm or at room temperature. The subtle hint of garlic and a dash of black pepper elevate the classic bacon and cheese pairing, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. The final egg wash gives them a beautiful golden sheen, adding to their appetizing visual appeal.

Perhaps one of the best tips for making these Bacon Cheese Straws truly stand out is the freezing step before baking. This crucial hour in the freezer ensures that the twists hold their shape beautifully as they bake, preventing them from unraveling and preserving their charming, spiraled form. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final presentation and texture, guaranteeing picture-perfect cheese straws every time.

Yield: 18

Bacon Cheese Straws

Bacon Cheese Straws – A great appetizer for any get together. Fill puff pastry with bacon and cheese, twist, and bake until you get crispy, cheesy, bacony goodness!

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, , shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp milk
• 1 package frozen puff pastry, , thawed according to the directions
• Flour for rolling

Instructions

1. Cook bacon until crisp. Cool and crumble.
2. In a bowl combine crumbled bacon, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and black pepper. Use a fork mix well.
3. Lightly sprinkle flour over the counter. Lay out the puff pastry sheets and roll to about 1/16 inch thick. Spread cheese mixture over half of the puff pastry. Fold the other side over the cheese mixture.
4. Using a rolling pin to roll the two sides together, so the cheese mixture is incorporated with the puff pastry.
5. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter cut into 1/2 inch strips.
6. Twist, pressing the ends together and lay on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. In a bowl mix together egg and milk. Brush over each twist.
8. Freeze for 1 hour before baking (do not skip, it helps them stay twisted while baking)
9. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 13 to 16 minute until light golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

18

Serving Size

18 Servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 197Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 45mgSodium 537mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 12g

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheese Straws and Variations

To ensure your Bacon Cheese Straws are always a showstopper, here are a few extra tips. Firstly, always use high-quality puff pastry. While making it from scratch is an option, using frozen, pre-made puff pastry saves a significant amount of time without compromising on flakiness. Just make sure to thaw it properly according to package directions, typically in the refrigerator overnight. Secondly, don’t skimp on the bacon! Crispy bacon is key to the texture and flavor of these straws. Cook it until it’s perfectly crisp, then let it cool and crumble it into small pieces for even distribution throughout the cheese mixture.

For those who love to experiment, feel free to play with the cheese combination. While mozzarella and Parmesan create a classic, universally loved flavor profile, you could easily introduce a touch of sharp cheddar for a bolder taste, or some spicy Monterey Jack for a kick. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can also add an interesting layer of flavor to the cheese mixture. For a gourmet touch, consider adding finely chopped chives or a hint of fresh rosemary to the filling. Remember to always press the ends of your twists firmly together on the baking sheet to help them maintain their shape during baking. And yes, the freezing step is truly essential for those perfectly twisted, crisp straws!

Once baked to a beautiful golden brown, let your Bacon Cheese Straws cool slightly before serving. While they are delightful warm, they also hold up incredibly well at room temperature, making them ideal for buffet-style entertaining. You can even prepare the cheese mixture and assemble the straws a day in advance, storing them in the freezer, and then simply bake them off just before your guests arrive for freshly baked perfection. With these Bacon Cheese Straws, you’re not just serving an appetizer; you’re serving a moment of pure, savory bliss.