Cheesy Bacon Puff Pastry Snails are a fun, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizer! The combination of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and buttery puff pastry is simply irresistible. These little bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a savory snack. Plus, they’re easy to make and bake up to golden, flaky perfection. Here’s how to make them:
Cheesy Bacon Puff Pastry Snails
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. If the pastry is too thick, roll it out a bit thinner to ensure it’s flaky and crisp when baked.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, cream cheese (if using), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Spread the Filling:
- Evenly spread the filling over the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border along the edges. Be generous with the cheese and bacon mixture—it’s the best part!
5. Roll the Pastry:
- Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log or cylinder, like you would for a cinnamon roll. Try to roll as tightly as possible without squishing the filling out.
6. Slice into Snails:
- Slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick rounds (or a bit thinner if you prefer smaller bites). You should end up with about 8-10 snails.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
- Arrange the snails on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops of each one with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
8. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
9. Serve:
- Remove the snails from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect as a savory snack or appetizer.
Tips:
- Variation Ideas: You can swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or Mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Add Herbs: Try adding fresh or dried herbs to the filling, such as chives, oregano, or thyme, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make-Ahead: These snails can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just let them come to room temperature or pop them straight into the oven!
- Bacon Substitutes: If you want to make these vegetarian, you can replace the bacon with finely chopped mushrooms or spinach for a veggie version.
These Cheesy Bacon Puff Pastry Snails are a guaranteed hit at any event. They’re easy to make, ridiculously tasty, and perfect for snacking. Enjoy!