Who doesn’t love a cheesy, crispy, bacon-loaded snack? If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer or snack that’s indulgent, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, these Cheese Fingers with Bacon are your new go-to. The crispy edges, the gooey cheese center, and that smoky bacon? It’s like everything you’ve ever wanted in a bite-sized snack—and more. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked. These little bites are packed with flavor, so delicious, and will disappear faster than you can say “Cheese!” Let’s get started, shall we?
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Why You’ll Love Cheese Fingers with Bacon
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, snacking during movie night, or serving a crowd at a party, these Cheese Fingers with Bacon are sure to steal the show. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for casual gatherings, movie nights, or just when you’re craving something crispy and cheesy. Whether you need a snack or an appetizer, this dish fits the bill.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering treat. Bacon, cheese, and a few pantry staples are all it takes to make this snack happen.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have crispy cheese fingers ready to go. They’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your cheeses or seasonings. Want to spice things up? A little jalapeño or hot sauce can take these cheese fingers to the next level!
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a crowd favorite—who doesn’t love crispy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped goodness? They’re sure to be the first dish to disappear at any gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these Cheese Fingers—they’re simple but pack so much flavor. You won’t believe how easy it is to make such a mouthwatering snack. Let’s break it down:
Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and just the right amount of indulgent. Bacon wraps each finger in a deliciously crispy shell, adding a savory punch to the cheesy goodness inside.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that makes these fingers irresistibly gooey. Mozzarella is perfect for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses, too.
Cream Cheese: This creamy base helps create a luscious texture inside the cheese finger. It adds richness without being too heavy.
Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle of garlic powder adds that savory aroma that you can’t resist. It pairs so beautifully with the bacon and cheese.
Chives: Chopped fresh chives add a burst of freshness and color to these cheesy fingers.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this crispy, cheesy masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cheese fingers bake up crispy and golden.
Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set it aside to cool, then cut it into halves or thirds (depending on the size of your cheese sticks).
Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the mozzarella and cream cheese. Add garlic powder and chopped chives, mixing until the cheeses are smooth and well combined. This filling will make your cheese fingers irresistibly gooey.
Wrap the Cheese: Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around a portion of the cheese filling, forming a little “finger” shape. Secure it with toothpicks if needed to keep the bacon in place.
Bake to Perfection: Place the wrapped cheese fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is gooey inside.
Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, let the cheese fingers cool slightly before serving. The cheese will be super hot, so a brief cool-down will prevent any burn risks while you dive in!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! These cheese fingers are best enjoyed with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or marinara.
How to Serve Cheese Fingers with Bacon
These cheese fingers are perfect as an appetizer or snack on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your cheese finger experience:
Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, marinara, or spicy buffalo sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Fresh Veggies: Serve with a side of crunchy vegetables like celery, carrots, or cucumber to balance out the richness of the cheese fingers.
Salads: A simple, fresh salad works great with these cheesy delights. Something light and crisp, like a Caesar or garden salad, will help cut through the richness.
Drinks: Pair these with your favorite drink! They go wonderfully with cold beers, sparkling waters, or even a tangy lemonade.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can mix the cheese filling and wrap the bacon around the cheese fingers a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cheese filling if you love a bit of heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Want to make these dairy-free? You can try using vegan cheese and bacon alternatives to suit your dietary needs.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to keep them crispy.
Double the Batch: These cheese fingers disappear quickly, so you may want to double the recipe. They’re great for leftovers and reheating!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
A1: Absolutely! You can use cheddar, gouda, or even provolone if you prefer. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor to your cheese fingers.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge, then bake them right before serving for fresh, crispy results.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Q4: Can I freeze these cheese fingers?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them before baking! Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Q5: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A5: Yes, turkey bacon works too! It’ll have a slightly different flavor but still gives you that crispiness and smoky goodness.
Q6: Can I make these vegetarian?
A6: Definitely! Use plant-based bacon and cheese to make this recipe fully vegetarian or vegan.
Q7: Can I use a different type of seasoning?
A7: Sure! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices, like oregano, thyme, or even a bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Q8: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
A8: Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the cheese, and avoid overstuffing the cheese fingers. Also, using thicker cuts of bacon can help keep everything sealed in.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large enough baking sheet, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the number of cheese fingers.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat these cheese fingers?
A10: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of that crispiness.
Conclusion
There you have it! These Cheese Fingers with Bacon are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and bacon-packed deliciousness. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal, they’re sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every crispy, gooey bite! Let me know how they turn out—I’m sure they’ll be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Cheese Fingers with Bacon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western, Party Food
Description
These Cheese Fingers with Bacon are a perfect snack for your New Year’s Eve party! Simple to make, quick to prepare, and delicious both hot and cold. Ideal for impressing guests with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1/2 sheet puff pastry
- Ketchup (for spreading)
- 50g cheese, shredded
- 150g smoked bacon, sliced
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Black cumin or sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry: Cut the puff pastry into strips about 3 cm wide.
- Spread the ketchup: Spread a thin layer of ketchup on each strip.
- Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ketchup, then layer the bacon slices on top.
- Twist and shape: Twist each strip of puff pastry three times to form “fingers.”
- Brush and garnish: Brush each finger with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with black cumin or sesame seeds.
- Bake: Place the cheese fingers on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving, or serve at room temperature for a delicious treat!
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version of this snack.
- Cheese variations: Try using different cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- Serve cold or hot: These fingers are delicious both hot out of the oven and at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 finger (approx.)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg