Have you ever been responsible for coming up with a delicious appetizer? I’m hosting some family and friends at my house for game day this coming February.

I’ve come up with a tasty (and easy!) appetizer idea you’re going to love: Glazed Bacon and Cheese Puff Pastry Twists! They’re made with my absolute favorite glazed bacon. It adds a delicious flavor that is a little bit sweet to the salty.

My brothers and I have a joke that any appetizer is automatically amazing if you add bacon.

We’re always coming up with unique bacon appetizers to “impress” each other, and I think these puff pastry twists are going to knock it out of the park.

Wright Brand Bacon is thick (and hand cut!), making it perfect for this appetizer. I can’t wait to debut these bad boys at the big game celebration! Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients

• Bacon – Hickory Smoked, 18 pieces
• Puff pastry dough – 2 sheets (1 sheet makes about 9 twists)
• Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
• Grated parmesan cheese – 4 tablespoons

Tools

• Kitchen scissors
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Cookie sheets – 2
• Knife

So how do they taste? The brown sugar glazes the hickory smoked bacon quite nicely for a bit of a sweet taste – and the parmesan cheese is just a bonus.

You definitely don’t want to skimp on the bacon, either. Make sure you get something nice and thick with good flavor. I’m telling you – it’s worth it!

Get the printable recipe card below:

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Puff Pastry Bacon Twists

Learn how to make delicious bacon pastry twists with cheese! These are a perfect appetizer for a crowd.

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 18 sticks

Calories 258kcal

Equipment

• 2 Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen scissors

Ingredients

• 18 pieces bacon
• 2 sheets puff pastry dough
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 T parmesan grated

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or spray them with cooking spray.
• Spread out one puff pastry sheet at a time (two come in a box). Sprinkle about 1/8th cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese on your pastry sheet.
• Cut the sheet into nine even strips using a knife. Puff pastry sheets are typically 10" on the short end, so each piece will be slightly over 1" wide. Repeat with the other sheet.
• Use kitchen scissors to cut the bacon in half lengthwise. Place one strip of bacon on each puff pastry piece and twist.
• Place the twisted pieces on the cookie sheets and bake for 15 minutes or until crispy.

Notes

Let puff pastry dough thaw 30 minutes before using.

Nutrition

Serving: 1twist | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

If you enjoyed this appetizer, let me know in the comments, I’d also love for you to check out these other recipes:

• Mixed Berry Puff Pastry Recipe for the Fourth
• Zucchini Puff Pastry Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious
• Bacon & Feta Stuffed Mini Peppers Appetizer
• Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies with Crunchy Pretzel!

The post Bacon Puff Pastry Twists Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Snack appeared first on DIY Candy.

Last month I made a mixed berry star puff pastry recipe and it was so good, I had to continue the trend! With the holidays right around the corner, you might be doing some serious cooking, ie., party appetizers.

May I suggest something for you? Puff pastry appetizers are easy to make, delicious, and look impressive for seasonal dinners and parties.

Learn how to make this tasty zucchini version! Guests are going to like these party appetizers because they add veggies to the seemingly unhealthy holiday fare.

Tips for Making Puff Pastry Zucchini

They are so simple, you’re going to love these little puff pastry delights. Here are some tips to make them.

How to Roll Puff Pastry

For these roses, you’ll first roll out the puff pastry dough. To do this, let your puff pastry thaw for 15 – 30 minutes or until you can work with it.

Lightly dust your working area with plain flour or use a silicone mat.

Place the puff pastry dough on the surface and lightly dust the pastry and the rolling pin with flour. Give the pastry 2 – 3 rolls away from you.

Don’t over roll the dough. You just want to flatten the dough a bit. Cut with a blunt knife or pastry knife.

Substituting the Goat Cheese

If you don’t want to use or can’t find goat cheese, just add 5 ounces of additional whipped cream cheese instead.

You will want to add some extra herbs: 1 teaspoon parsley, 1 teaspoon chives, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pinch of black pepper. Mix them into the cream cheese until combined.

Serves 8 people, 2 puffs each

Ingredients

• 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
• 2 – 3 zucchini
• 1 package herb goat cheese (5.2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 egg
• 1 T water

When you roll out the dough, this is the plan for cutting each sheet:

This will give you 16 strips total. At first I was cutting each puffy pastry sheet into 4 strips, but I found that the puff pastry appetizers took a long time to cook, so 16 strips works best.

I love how my zucchini puff pastry appetizers look just like flowers! The kind of roses you’d want to pop in your mouth, right?

Get the printable recipe for this appetizer below:

Print

Zucchini Puff Pastry

Puff pastry appetizers are easy to make, delicious, and look impressive for holiday dinners and parties. Learn how to make this tasty zucchini version!

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8 people

Calories 417kcal

Ingredients

• 17.3 oz puff pastry dough 1 package thawed
• 2 zucchini(s) medium
• 5 oz. herb goat cheese 1 package
• 1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 egg(s)
• 1 T water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a mandolin or something similar, finely slice the zucchini to about 1/8-inch thickness. Whichever method you use, make sure the zucchini are thin enough to bend without breaking.
• In a small bowl mix together the herb goat cheese, cream cheese, and lemon juice.
• Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, slightly larger than its original size.
• Cut the dough into four strips lengthwise, and then once down the middle. You'll do this with both sheets of dough.
• Spread a little less than one tablespoon of the cheese mixture along each strip. Take the zucchini slices and place them on each strip so that half of each slice is sticking out above the top of the pastry.
  
• Starting from one end, gently roll each pastry strip up.
  
• Place each roll into a muffin tin lined with foil wrappers, and gently press down on each roll.
  
• Brush each roll with an egg wash (1 beaten egg, 1 T water mixed together). Bake at 400 for 25 – 30 minutes.
  

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 2puffs | Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 220mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g

Did you know that you can make a gluten free puff pastry? That will be a great option for some of you who want/need to go that route! Happy holidays!

Oh, and if you like these puff pastry party appetizers, check out my bacon and cheese puff pastry twists below!

The post Zucchini Puff Pastry Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious appeared first on DIY Candy.

In my opinion, you aren’t celebrating something unless there is food. Imagine a Super Bowl party with no wings or chips and dip, or a Thanksgiving get together with no turkey or pumpkin pie. It just wouldn’t be the same, right?

At the very least, any shindig you put together should have some appetizers. More specifically, you should have a few toothpick appetizers. Why? Check out these benefits:

• They are easy to eat with only one hand. Everyone loves bite size desserts for the same reason.
• Guests won’t have messy hands leaving stains all over your house because they don’t have to touch the food.
• You don’t need to provide additional utensils.
• Any appetizer that fits on a toothpick is obviously going to be small. This means that your guests can eat a variety of apps without filling up before the main meal.

Now that you are on the toothpick appetizer bandwagon, check out all of the delectable and fun recipes you can make.

1

cookinglsl.com

Andouille Sausage Bites

A fast, delicious appetizer full of winter flavors. Only 3 ingredients: Andouille sausage, cranberry cheddar cheese and cranberry sauce.

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Mini Cheeseburger Skewers

Bunless sliders with a wonderful homemade burger sauce! Customize them any way you like.

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aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com

Caprese Skewers

Caprese is always a crowd favorite. These have a fun twist for Valentine's Day — hearts! Just cut and arrange the tomatoes on the toothpick to get the shape.

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pizzazzerie.com

Watermelon Feta Skewers

A healthy summer appetizer made with watermelon, feta, mint and seasoning. Enjoy at summer get togethers and picnics.

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www.all-thats-jas.com

Mini Spaghetti Nests & Italian Meatballs

Heavenly appetizer bites made with creamy Alfredo pasta and Italian-style meatballs. I love the little spaghetti nests made using a mini muffin tin!

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dailycookingquest.com

Gochujang Meatballs

Meatballs are always a good app choice for a party. Take this idea up a few notches with these spicy Korean gochujang (or red chili paste) cranberry meatballs.

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thesweetestoccasion.com

Blackberry Cucumber Caprese

Switch up the typical caprese recipe by adding cucumber and swapping the tomatoes for blackberries. You still add balsamic to bring it all together!

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8

www.kitchensanctuary.com

French Pressed Sandwich Bites

Make 3 different sandwich bites with one large ciabatta.

1. Cucumber, smoked salmon, mizuna/rocket leaves and lemon zest
2. Spinach, red onion, roasted peppers and pesto
3. Carrot, radish, hummus and beetroot

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9

www.katheats.com

Mini Beet Salad

Find out how easy it is to have a beet salad on a stick! It is complete with beets, walnuts, feta, arugula and can even be topped off with balsamic dressing!

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www.garnishwithlemon.com

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

You can never go wrong with wrapping something in bacon! These bacon wrapped shrimp are coated in BBQ sauce and always a big hit.

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11

Fruit Appetizers with Dip

These toothpick appetizers with fruit are so easy to make, and you'll also get a delicious dip recipe.

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12

www.simplystacie.net

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Each of these water chestnuts wrapped in bacon have been marinated in a tasty sauce made using brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce and garlic. um!

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www.aforkstale.com

Cuban Sandwich

Create a mini Cuban sandwich on a stick! Just 4 ingredients needed: ham, swiss cheese, mini dill pickles and whole grain mustard.

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14

bensabaconlovers.com

Mini BLT Sliders

A mini version of a favorite sandwich! Each one is finished off with a delicious basil mayo.

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15

alekasgettogether.com

Prosciutto, Melon & Mozzarella

Here is another caprese variation. Each toothpick contains a cantaloupe melon ball, prosciutto, mozzarella and basil. It is then drizzled with balsamic vinegar glaze.

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16

laurenkellynutrition.com

Mini Bacon Cheese Balls

This keto appetizer is made using cream cheese, cheddar cheese, spices and bacon. The cheese balls are then coated in finely chopped pecans.

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flavormosaic.com

Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Cornbread Bites

Now, that may be a long name, but this appetizer is definitely worth it! Perfect for a party for the big game.

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18

jenniferbanz.com

Shrimp Guacamole and Bacon Appetizers

A delicious appetizer that is also keto-friendly! Shrimp, bacon, cucumber and guacamole. High in good fat and full of flavor.

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www.theendlessmeal.com

Blue Cheese & Grape

Mini cheese balls made with blue cheese, butter, brandy and pepper and then rolled in minced walnuts. Add a grape and enjoy!

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20

bellyfull.net

Mini Tortellini Kabobs

Cheese tortellini marinated in homemade Italian dressing, salami, provolone and green olives. A delicious antipasto variation!

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21

hungryenoughtoeatsix.com

Sausage Crescent Roll Bites

Roasted garlic and gruyere chicken sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked and sliced into tasty bites.

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22

www.noshtastic.com

Sausage and Pineapple Bites

Two ingredients and some toothpicks — that is all you need for this appetizer! You won't believe how yummy they are.

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23

www.dineanddish.net

Sweet Potato Casserole Bites

You won't believe how easy these are to make using frozen sweet potato puffs (or tots). They are topped off with caramelized onion and a mini marshmallow!

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24

www.lowcarbspark.com

Ham and Cheese Roll Ups

Everybody loves a good ham and cheese! Definitely a classic. These cream cheese and cheddar ham roll ups are no exception.

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Chicken Stuffed Waffle Pops

Crunchy chicken stuffed waffle pops with a maple Dijon dip. A fun way to eat chicken and waffles.

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Did you like these toothpick appetizers? I’d love it if you could share this post using the buttons below. Then check out these other popular appetizer posts:

• Zucchini Puff Pastry Appetizers Are Easy and Delicious
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings: The Secret to the Best!
• DIY Food Picks for Wedding or Party

The post Toothpick Appetizers Perfect for Your Next Party! appeared first on DIY Candy.

I know sometimes people say “easiest ever” and the recipe isn’t truly easy. But when I say this stuffed mini peppers recipe is the easiest ever, I mean it!

You’re cutting small peps in half and stuffing them with goodness, then putting cheese on top. That’s it.

Making Mini Peppers

What I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can make these puppies for lunch or dinner.

AND it’s one of my favorite appetizer recipes that everyone loves. You can bring it to a game day party or serve for a casual group dinner.

The total time to make this recipe is 30 minutes, and that’s right up my alley. It’s the perfect time for a quick dinner.

These Mexican themed stuffed mini sweet peppers will make the whole family happy . . . who doesn’t love rice and cheese??

Do you have to cook peppers before stuffing them?

For the smaller, mini ones – no. If the peppers are larger, you should cook them for 30 minutes first after cutting them in half. Bake them on a baking sheet for 15 minutes, then turn over and repeat until peppers are soft. THEN you can fill them and cook for 20 minutes more.

Pick Your Meat, Rice, and Cheese

The seasoning and tomato sauce can stay the same, and you can change the meat, rice, and cheese to meet your and your family’s needs. Try ground beef, turkey, or chicken.

Choose white or brown rice – or even Mexican rice. As far as cheese, I recommend a Mexican blend or Pepper Jack if you like it a bit spicy.

Weight Watchers Friendly

To make this diet friendly, you just need a few tweaks. You will need to do the following: 1) use 99% fat free ground turkey; 2) use brown rice; 3) make sure to use cooking spray (no olive oil); and 4) use reduced fat shredded cheese.

That will result in 5 Freestyle Points per serving for these mini peppers.

Ingredients – serves 6

• 12 mini bell peppers
• 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups of cooked rice – brown or white, your choice
• 2 14 oz. cans of roasted garlic or Italian seasoned tomato sauce
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• sprinkle of salt and pepper
• pinch of parsley
• 1 tbsp of olive oil (or cooking spray)

Thoughts for this recipe you might be interested in:

• Trader Joe’s always has a great deal on mini peppers if you have one nearby!
• You can make your own taco seasoning with the following: 1 T chili powder, 1 1/2 t ground cumin, 1 t sea salt, 1 t black pepper, 1/2 t ground paprika, 1/4 t garlic powder, 1/4 t onion powder, and 1/4 t dried oregano.
• If you’re looking for easy and fast (and want white rice), try Minute Rice. You’ll boil water, place the rice in, and simmer for 5 minutes. They also have brown rice.
• If you’re feeling fancy, top with green onions, sour cream, or goat cheese. Trust me – it’s delicious.

If you make the full recipe you’ll need a bigger pan obviously . . . but isn’t this little baking dish cute? Mini stuffed peppers need a mini dish, in my humble opinion.

Get the printable recipe card below!

Print

Stuffed Mini Peppers

This Mexican themed mini pepper recipe is very easy AND cheesy! Make this simple dish for dinner or an appetizer. It's really quick and everyone loves it.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 415kcal

Ingredients

• 12 mini bell peppers
• 1 T olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 28 ounces roasted garlic or Italian seasoned tomato sauce 2 cans
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 pinch parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Begin by preparing your peppers. If they are not pre-washed, wash and let dry. Preheat the oven to 400º F.
  
• Use a paring knife to slice them in half, then a spoon to remove any seeds. Set aside.
  
• Cook rice according to instructions on the package.
  
• Heat 1 T of oil or cooking spray on medium-high heat. Place the ground meat of your choice into the pan and cook. While cooking, add in the salt, pepper, and parsley into the meat. Cook until brown.
  
• Turn heat off and stir in one can of tomato sauce and the taco seasoning. Toss in the rice and an additional cup of tomato sauce (you'll have some left over). Mix until well combined.
  
• Spread some tomato sauce around the bottom of the baking pan.
  
• Spoon the mixture evenly into your peppers and place in the baking pan.
  
• Top with the shredded cheese and place in oven at 400º F for about 15 minutes.
  
• Take out of oven; let cool. Serves six with four mini pepper halves per person.
  

Video

Notes

Nutritional information based on 99% fat free ground turkey, brown rice, and using cooking spray rather than olive oil.

You’ll obviously want to use a larger baking dish that I did. I made one serving!

Nutrition

Serving: 4peppers | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1274mg | Potassium: 749mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3076IU | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 4mg

If you like this stuffed mini peppers recipe, I’d also love for you to visit these other recipes:

• Bacon & Feta Stuffed Mini Peppers Appetizer
• Mini Cakes Recipe (Perfect for Party or Wedding!)
• Shrimp and Veggie Stir Fry (Easy Dinner Recipe!)
• This Mini Cheesecake Recipe is Easy & Delicious

The post Stuffed Mini Peppers to Knock Your Socks Off appeared first on DIY Candy.