CHEESY PUFF PASTRY TWISTS
A quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer using store-bought puff pastry
KEY INFO:
- Prep Time: 40-45 minutes (including 30 min thaw time)
- Active Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Servings: 8-12 twists
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Dietary: Vegetarian (contains dairy, eggs, gluten)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Pastry brush (or clean fingers)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small mixing bowl
- Rolling pin (optional)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed) – approximately 250g/9oz
- 120g/1 cup mixed hard cheese (Parmesan, Asiago, aged Cheddar), finely grated
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water or cream
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
METHOD:
- Remove puff pastry from freezer and thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes until pliable but still cool
- Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F and line baking sheet with parchment
- Mix egg with water/cream in small bowl for egg wash
- Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface, rolling gently if needed to smooth
- Brush entire surface with egg wash
- Sprinkle half the cheese mixture evenly over one half of the pastry
- Fold uncovered half over cheese, pressing very gently to seal
- Brush top with egg wash, sprinkle remaining cheese, pressing lightly
- Cut into 8-12 even strips (about 2.5cm/1 inch wide)
- Twist each strip 3-4 times, pinching ends to secure
- Place twists on baking sheet, leaving 5cm/2 inches between each
- Brush with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt
- Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Pastry must be cool but pliable – if too warm, chill for 15 minutes before twisting
- Don’t skimp on the egg wash – it helps cheese stick and creates golden color
- Look for visual cues: twists should be deeply golden and feel firm to touch
- Space twists well apart – they expand significantly during baking
STORAGE & VARIATIONS:
Storage:- Best served fresh within 2 hours
- Store in airtight container up to 2 days
- Reheat at 350°F/175°C for 5 minutes to re-crisp
- Add 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning)
- Include ¼ teaspoon cayenne for heat
- Try different cheese combinations (blue cheese, goat cheese, smoked varieties)
- Top with sesame or poppy seeds before baking
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
- Using warm or sticky pastry
- Overcrowding the baking sheet
- Under-twisting the strips
- Opening oven door during first 10 minutes of baking
