These irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Straws combine everything people love about comfort food into one absolutely perfect bite-sized appetizer. Buttery, flaky puff pastry is loaded with sharp cheese, twisted into elegant straws, and wrapped in crispy bacon that renders beautifully in the oven to create a golden, savory treat that disappears faster than you can make them. The combination of rich, smoky bacon with tangy cheese and tender pastry creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, watching the big game, or just want to treat yourself to something special, these cheese straws deliver restaurant-quality sophistication with surprisingly simple preparation.
Makes: 20-24 cheese straws (serves 8-10 people as appetizers)
What You’ll Need
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 12-14 strips thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Getting Your Pastry Ready
Remove the puff pastry from the freezer about 30-40 minutes before you plan to use it, allowing it to thaw until it’s pliable but still cold. Working with properly thawed pastry is crucial because it should unfold easily without cracking but still be firm enough to handle without becoming sticky or difficult to work with.
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier, plus it helps the bacon render evenly without burning on the bottom.
Creating the Perfect Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly so the spices distribute evenly throughout the cheese. The combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan creates the perfect flavor balance, while the spices add depth and complexity.
Using finely grated cheese is important because it melts more evenly and won’t create lumps in your pastry. If you’re grating your own cheese, make sure it’s cold from the refrigerator for the easiest grating.
Rolling and Filling the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle that’s roughly 12 by 10 inches. You don’t want to roll it too thin, just enough to even it out and make it slightly larger. Brush the entire surface with some of the beaten egg wash, which will help the cheese mixture stick to the pastry.
Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, pressing it gently into the dough so it adheres well. The cheese should cover the pastry from edge to edge for the most flavor in every bite.
Cutting the Perfect Straws
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the cheese-topped pastry into strips that are about 1/2 inch wide and run the full length of the rectangle. You should get about 10-12 straws from each sheet of pastry. Cut decisively in one smooth motion to avoid dragging the cheese or tearing the pastry.
Carefully lift each strip and give it 2-3 gentle twists to create the classic spiral shape of a cheese straw. The twisting not only looks elegant but also helps the cheese stay evenly distributed and creates more surface area for the bacon to wrap around.
Wrapping with Bacon
Take one half-strip of bacon and wrap it around each twisted cheese straw in a spiral pattern, starting at one end and working your way to the other. The bacon should overlap slightly with each turn to ensure even coverage. Don’t stretch the bacon too tightly, as it will shrink during cooking and could cause the pastry to tear.
Place each bacon-wrapped cheese straw on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for even cooking and expansion. The bacon needs room to render and crisp up properly without steaming against neighboring pieces.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Brush each wrapped cheese straw lightly with the remaining egg wash, which will give the pastry a beautiful golden color and help the bacon adhere during baking. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
The cheese straws are done when the pastry is golden brown and flaky, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bacon is crispy and fully rendered. The bacon should look caramelized around the edges, and the whole kitchen should smell absolutely incredible.
Finishing Touches
Remove the cheese straws from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This brief cooling time allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to handle without falling apart.
Sprinkle the warm cheese straws with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich bacon and cheese beautifully. The bright green herbs also add a nice visual contrast that makes the appetizers look even more appealing.
Serving and Storage
These bacon-wrapped cheese straws are absolutely best served warm when the pastry is at its flakiest and the cheese is still slightly melted. They make an impressive presentation on any appetizer table and pair wonderfully with cocktails, wine, or beer.
If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can assemble the cheese straws completely and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to a month – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.
Perfect Party Food
The beauty of these cheese straws lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures, plus their elegant appearance that makes any gathering feel more special. Each bite delivers crispy bacon, melted cheese, and buttery pastry in perfect harmony, creating the kind of appetizer that turns a simple get-together into a memorable occasion.
