Get ready to discover your new favorite appetizer obsession: these Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists. This recipe transforms simple refrigerated dough into an irresistibly savory treat, packed with crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a rich garlic butter glaze. They are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to disappear in minutes at any gathering. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, a festive holiday party snack, or a fun side dish for dinner, these twists are the perfect solution. The delightful pull-apart texture makes them interactive and fun for everyone.
We developed this recipe to be as straightforward as possible without sacrificing any flavor. You’ll love how the salty bacon bits and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella create layers of savory goodness in every bite. The aroma of them baking alone is enough to make your mouth water. Plus, they look impressive but require minimal effort, making you look like a kitchen superstar.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Made with store-bought dough, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to create a stunning appetizer.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combination of bacon, cheese, and garlic is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfectly Versatile: Serve these twists as a party appetizer, a savory breakfast treat, a side for soup or salad, or a fun game-day snack. They are wonderfully adaptable, much like our popular Taco Pinwheels.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these bacon cheese twists in the oven and ready to serve in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here are the key ingredients that come together to create these delectable Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists.
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: One tube of classic refrigerated pizza crust serves as the perfect base. You can also use crescent roll dough, but the pizza dough provides a slightly chewier, bread-like texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the base of our savory glaze, adding richness and helping the twists get golden brown.
- Garlic Powder & Dried Parsley: These seasonings infuse the butter with a classic, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese and bacon perfectly.
- Shredded Cheese: We use a blend of sharp cheddar and low-moisture mozzarella for the ultimate cheese pull and a robust, tangy flavor.
- Cooked Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon is the star of the show, adding a smoky, salty crunch to every twist.
- Egg: An egg wash is the secret to that beautiful, shiny, golden-brown finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists every time. It’s as easy as roll, fill, twist, and bake!
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll or press it into a rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches.
- Add the Savory Glaze: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush half of this garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Layer the Fillings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the buttered dough. Top with the crumbled cooked bacon, distributing it across the entire surface.
- Fold and Cut: Carefully fold one half of the dough over the other to create a smaller rectangle, enclosing the fillings. Gently press the edges to seal. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the rectangle into 12 equal-sized strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Twist and Bake: Take each strip and twist it several times. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. Brush the tops with the egg wash, then drizzle with the remaining garlic butter.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. For an extra savory kick, you could even try adding flavors inspired by a Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball (coming soon).
Tips for Success: Making the Best Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists
Want to ensure your twists are absolutely perfect? Here are some expert tips to guide you.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the twists enough space on the baking sheet to bake evenly and get crispy on all sides. Use two pans if necessary.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
- Ensure Bacon is Crispy: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy before crumbling. This ensures it adds texture and doesn’t make the dough soggy.
- Seal the Edges: Gently press the edges of the dough together after folding to help keep the cheesy goodness locked inside as it bakes.
Creative Variations
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative with these Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists!
- Herbaceous Twists: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or fresh chopped chives to the garlic butter mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cheese or add finely diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar and mozzarella for other great melting cheeses like Gruyère, Provolone, or a spicy Pepper Jack.
- Make it a Meal: These twists are a fantastic side for a hearty main, like our Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These twists are best served warm, fresh from the oven, allowing the cheese to be at its gooiest. They are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy beer cheese dip for dunking.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their original texture.
Yes, you can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, cover them tightly on the baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, apply the egg wash and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic blend, feel free to experiment. Provolone, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy Pepper Jack would all be delicious alternatives.
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer.
They are fantastic on their own but also pair perfectly with dipping sauces like warm marinara, ranch dressing, beer cheese dip, or a creamy garlic aioli.
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal as it provides a slightly chewy, bread-like texture that holds up well. However, you can also use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a flakier, more buttery result.
Yes, you can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, cover them tightly on the baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, apply the egg wash and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic blend, feel free to experiment. Provolone, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a spicy Pepper Jack would all be delicious alternatives.
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer.
They are fantastic on their own but also pair perfectly with dipping sauces like warm marinara, ranch dressing, beer cheese dip, or a creamy garlic aioli.
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal as it provides a slightly chewy, bread-like texture that holds up well. However, you can also use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a flakier, more buttery result.
Your New Go-To Appetizer
These Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists are more than just a recipe; they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion. They bring together simple ingredients to create something truly special and delicious that will have everyone reaching for more. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us on Pinterest!
Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists: The Ultimate Savory Snack
Discover your new favorite appetizer with these Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists! Made with simple pizza dough, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or a fun side dish.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and press into a 12x8-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush half of the mixture over the dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Fold the dough in half over the fillings and press the edges to seal. Cut into 12 one-inch-wide strips.
- Twist each strip several times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the twists with the beaten egg, then drizzle with the remaining garlic butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until deep golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese as it melts better.
Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy to avoid sogginess.
Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists: The Ultimate Savory Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and press into a 12x8-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush half of the mixture over the dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Fold the dough in half over the fillings and press the edges to seal. Cut into 12 one-inch-wide strips.
- Twist each strip several times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the twists with the beaten egg, then drizzle with the remaining garlic butter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until deep golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy to avoid sogginess.
Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.
