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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Bacon Cheese Straws

Bacon Cheese Straws

No party is complete without a tray of these!

By Ree DrummondPublished: Oct 14, 2025
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5
1 Rating
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Yields:
28 serving(s)
Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
pioneer woman bacon cheese straws
Stacy K. Allen

If you ask me, anything that involves bacon, cheese, and puff pastry is bound to be a hit—and these bacon cheese straws prove it. They’re flaky, crispy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of spicy, making them one of my favorite savory snacks to serve during the holidays (or honestly, any time I’m hosting). The combination of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, brown sugar, and cayenne gives them a flavor that’s totally irresistible.

What I love most about these is how easy they are. You start with store-bought puff pastry (a lifesaver!) and layer it with sharp cheddar and homemade candied bacon, then twist each strip before baking until golden and puffed. They look fancy but come together quickly—ideal for cocktail parties, brunches, or game-day spreads. They're perfect paired with a classic martini or a sidecar cocktail.

Whether you serve them warm right out of the oven or at room temperature, these bacon cheese straws always disappear fast. They’re the kind of appetizer that feels both elegant and down-home at the same time—just the way I like it!

Can you make bacon cheese straws ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cheese straws off the morning you plan to serve them. They taste great at room temperature, so they’re perfect for parties.

What kind of cheese works best in bacon cheese straws?

I love using extra-sharp white cheddar—it gives that bold, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon. But you can use any type cheddar or even a mix of cheeses you love. Gouda, gruyère, or jack cheese would all work well!

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. coarsely ground black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp. cayenne
  • 2 large eggs
  • 14 slices center-cut bacon (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (preferably all-butter), thawed
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 2 cups finely shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)

Directions

    1. Step 1Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 
    2. Step 2In a shallow bowl, stir together the brown sugar, black pepper, and cayenne. Dredge each piece of bacon in the sugar mixture to coat both sides; set aside.
    3. Step 3In a small bowl, beat the eggs with 1 teaspoon water until thoroughly combined. Unfold a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 16-by-10-inch rectangle. Position it so a short edge is closest to you. Brush the entire surface lightly with the egg wash. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom half of the pastry sheet. Fold the top half of the pastry over the cheese and gently press to seal. 
    4. Step 4Roll out the folded pastry into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle. Position it so a long edge is closest to you. Brush with egg wash. Lay 7 bacon strips lengthwise across the pastry, spacing them evenly so a bit of dough shows between each strip. Gently press the bacon into the pastry to help it stick. 
    5. Step 5Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the pastry into strips, cutting between each piece of bacon. Twist each strip tightly several times, then cut each piece in half, so that you have 2 short twists. Transfer the twists to one of the prepared baking sheets. 
    6. Step 6Repeat the process with the remaining dough, cheese, egg wash, and bacon. Refrigerate the twists until firm, at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours (if chilling for more than 2 hours, cover them loosely with plastic wrap).
    7. Step 7Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the cheese straws until the pastry is puffed and lightly golden and the bacon is just starting to crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets before serving, about 15 minutes.  

Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—re-crisp in a 300°F oven for a few minutes if needed.


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