Cheese and Bacon Turnovers in Puff Pastry

These cheese and bacon turnovers are loosely based on a pastry from Greggs, mine turns up the flavour with a big dollop of Branston Pickle.

Puff pastry squares are topped with sharp cheddar cheese, small chunk pickle, and smoked streaky bacon. Then they are folded, brushed with egg, and baked until golden!

Cheese and Bacon Puff Pastry

It is very easy to be snooty about food; we all probably have places that we consider "beneath" consideration when it comes to places to eat.

I reckon the ubiquitous workplace lunch option, Greggs, is one that ranks pretty highly on the list of places that many Brits are snooty about.

Their fayre is pretty simple Cornish pasties, cheese and onion pasties, and of course, sausage rolls feature high on their greatest hits list.

Whilst I am not averse to indulging in a quick pastry whilst I am out shopping, I usually add my own spin to their ideas.

These cheese and bacon turnovers are my interpretation of their similarly titled "slice".

My version uses some wonderfully sharp vintage cheddar cheese, smoked streaky bacon, and of course, puff pastry.

Mine packs a wee surprise though, sandwiched between the bacon and cheese is some Branston pickle, I love the stuff.

It makes this recipe really special, and it's a combination that also features in my ploughmans sandwich and cheese and onion sandwich recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use store-bought puff pastry?

Oh gosh, yes!

I have made proper puff pastry once, and whilst it made me feel incredibly smug and it was a fulfilling experience, I will not be doing it again!

You can make these with homemade rough puff pastry, but I always buy ready-rolled puff pastry.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, but you do want something that can stand up to the boldness of the Branston pickle.

Sharp cheddar is the obvious choice, but other good options include Wensleydale and Lancashire are good options. Mainly because they add a wonderful tartness that contrasts with the salty bacon and sweet chutney.

Do I have to use streaky bacon?

No, you can swap streaky for back bacon if you wish.

How long will these save?

They will last for 2-3 days in the fridge, although I think they are at their best in the first day or two.

They can be eaten cold or gently warmed. I find the best way to warm them is for 3-5 minutes in an air fryer at 180°C or 350°F.

Alternative Fillings

I would normally use this section to discuss serving suggestions for a dish. However, this is a simple lunchbox filler that is wonderfully versatile, so here are a few alternatives to cheese and bacon turnovers that are jaw-droppingly good!

• Bacon, brie, and cranberry sauce. A sandwich filling that I remember being popular in the 90s, but it is genius in these turnovers.
• Stilton, ham, and sticky port onions. This is a glorious combination, and if you want a recipe for the onions, check out my lambs liver and port onions recipe. You could also use a store-bought red onion chutney.
• Goats cheese, bacon, and tomato chutney. More classic flavours and a tomato chutney is perfect with the salty and sour goats cheese.
• Cheddar cheese, ham, and piccalilli. Piccalilli is one of those things that tends to divide opinion, but if you like it, then you will love this take on these turnovers.

Equipment Used

I only mention brands of equipment if I think that they make a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Oven.
• Baking tray.
• Kitchen knife or pizza cutter.
• Grater.
• A small bowl to beat the egg.
• Pastry brush.
• A combination of weighing scales and measuring spoons.