Cheesy Bacon Puff Pastry Snails are an irresistible appetizer or snack that combine the crisp, flaky goodness of puff pastry with the rich flavors of melted cheese and crispy bacon. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy treat at home. The savory combination of cheese, bacon, and herbs is wrapped up in buttery puff pastry, creating the ultimate snack!
Here’s how to make Cheesy Bacon Puff Pastry Snails:
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses, like mozzarella or gouda)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4-5 strips of cooked bacon (crumbled or chopped)
- 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. You can trim it to make a neat rectangle if needed, though it’s not essential.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) evenly across the puff pastry. This adds flavor and helps the cheese stick.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
- Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, and a little salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning depending on your preferences.
3. Roll Up the Puff Pastry:
- Carefully roll the puff pastry from one edge to the other, like a jelly roll, keeping the filling tightly inside.
- Make sure the roll is snug, but not too tight, to avoid squeezing out the filling.
4. Slice into Snails:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled-up pastry into approximately 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 10-12 snails, depending on the size of your puff pastry.
5. Egg Wash and Bake:
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of each pastry snail with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Arrange the snails on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even baking.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t over-brown, as puff pastry can bake quickly.
7. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the snails from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm as a savory snack or appetizer. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added flavor and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
These Cheesy Bacon Puff Pastry Snails are everything you want in a snack: buttery, cheesy, crispy, and flavorful. The combination of the smoky bacon, melty cheese, and flaky pastry is simply irresistible! They’re also super customizable—you can swap out the bacon for ham, add some sautéed spinach for a veggie twist, or experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina.
Would you serve these with a dipping sauce, maybe ranch or a spicy aioli, or do you think they’re perfect on their own?