Introduction

Cheese twists are a delightful snack that combines flaky puff pastry with savory pesto and melted cheese. These crispy, golden twists are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a tasty treat any time of day.

The image shows several golden brown twisted pastry sticks arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each stick has visible layers of flaky, crispy dough twisted around a green pesto filling that peeks through the spirals. The pastries have a slightly uneven, rustic texture with some darker baked spots, and a few crumbs are scattered around. There is a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves placed next to the pastries on the right side. The overall look is warm, homemade, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed and kept cold
1/4 cup pesto sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded three cheese blend, or parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 egg, whisked for egg wash

Instructions

Step 1: Gather and prep all ingredients, keeping your puff pastry cold until ready to roll and fill.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, lay one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll out slightly to about 12 by 10 inches. Keep the second sheet cold in the fridge.
Step 4: Spread half of the pesto (about 2 tablespoons) over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Brush the border lightly with egg wash.
Step 5: Cut the puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise.
Step 6: On one half, sprinkle 1/4 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup three cheese blend, Italian seasoning, and granulated garlic evenly over the pesto.
Step 7: Place the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, pesto-side down. Press edges gently to seal and lightly roll to help them stick.
Step 8: Cut the filled half into 12 vertical strips. Pinch the top and bottom of each strip and twist three times in opposite directions to form twists. Press ends to seal.
Step 9: Chill the twists in the fridge while you repeat the process with the second puff pastry sheet.
Step 10: Lightly egg wash the first batch of twists, then bake for 16 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use flavored pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or basil, to add variety to the twists.
For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little grated parmesan on top before baking.
Try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic boost.

Storage

Store leftover cheese twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows a baking tray lined with parchment paper on a white marbled surface, filled with several twisted puff pastry sticks. Each puff pastry stick has two layers of golden-brown dough twisted around a greenish filling with visible herbs and melted cheese spots. The puff pastry is flaky and crisp, with uneven browning adding texture. In the background, there is a small glass bowl with green pesto sauce and fresh basil leaves, slightly out of focus. The photo is warm and bright, capturing the crispy texture and herbal filling clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare cheese twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twists and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them well to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze these cheese twists?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cheese Twists Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 141 reviews

These Cheese Twists are delightful, flaky puff pastry treats filled with a vibrant pesto sauce and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are baked until golden and crisp, offering a savory twist that’s both easy to make and impressively delicious.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes per batch, total approximately 32 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 24 cheese twists 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed and kept cold

Filling

1/4 cup pesto sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded three cheese blend or parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

Other

1 egg, whisked for egg wash

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all the ingredients as listed, keeping the puff pastry cold until ready to roll and fill to ensure the best texture.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Roll Puff Pastry: Place one sheet of cold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out slightly to about 12 by 10 inches, keeping the second sheet refrigerated.
Apply Pesto and Egg Wash: Spread half of the pesto sauce (about 2 tablespoons) evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border on all sides. Brush this border lightly with the whisked egg.
Cut Pastry Sheet: Cut the pastry sheet horizontally into two halves.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle 1/4 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the three cheese blend evenly over one half of the pastry on top of the pesto. Then sprinkle Italian seasoning and granulated garlic evenly over the cheese.
Assemble Layers: Lay the other half of the puff pastry over the cheese layer, pesto-side down, gently pressing the edges to seal as much as possible and slightly pressing the layers together.
Cut and Twist: Cut this layered half into 12 strips vertically. Transfer strips to the prepared baking sheet. Pinch each strip at the top and bottom ends and twist in opposite directions three times, then pinch the ends to seal the twist shape.
Chill Twists: Place the twists in the refrigerator to chill while you repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry for better shape retention.
Egg Wash and Bake First Batch: Lightly brush the first batch of twists with egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for about 16 minutes or until the twists are golden brown and puffed.
Repeat for Second Batch: Repeat the egg wash and baking process with the second batch of cheese twists after they’ve chilled.
Cool and Serve: Let the twists cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy their flaky, cheesy goodness.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold to ensure it puffs properly during baking.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Twisting puff pastry strips requires gentle handling as they can be delicate.
These cheese twists are best served warm for optimal flakiness and flavor.
Variations can include using different herbs or adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.

Keywords: cheese twists, puff pastry appetizers, pesto cheese pastry, easy cheese snacks, baked cheese twists