Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists are fun and easy snacks made with flaky pastry and cheese. They’re golden, crunchy, and packed with cheesy goodness—perfect for parties or just a cozy night in!
These twists disappear fast in my house. It’s hard to resist their cheesy charm! I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a pizza party in every bite! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star ingredient! It brings that flaky texture. If you can’t find it, try using phyllo dough, but note that it won’t be as chewy. Store-bought is often easiest, but making it from scratch is an adventure!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a rich, cheesy flavor. If you want a different taste, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Egg Wash: The beaten egg gives that beautiful golden color. If you’re avoiding eggs, use milk or a plant-based milk as a wash. Just be mindful that color may vary slightly.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a fresh touch. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works too. Other herbs like oregano or thyme can also be delicious alternatives!
How Do You Make Puff Pastry Twists Perfectly Flaky?
The key to making Puff Pastry Twists light and flaky is all in how you handle the dough. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect texture:
- Keep the pastry cold, as this helps it puff up nicely. Handle it quickly and don’t let it warm up too much.
- Roll the pastry gently to avoid pressing out the layers—this keeps them fluffy. A light touch is best!
- Brush each layer with egg wash before baking to enhance browning and give a shiny finish.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each twist room to puff up while baking.
These techniques will help you create perfectly flaky and delicious Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists every time!
How to Make Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of salt and pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12–15 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have these tasty twists ready in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that the twists don’t stick!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. This helps smooth out any creases and prepares it for filling.
3. Brush with Egg Wash:
Take your beaten egg and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. This gives the twists a nice golden color when they bake!
4. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over one half of the pastry. Then, add the chopped parsley and garlic powder on top. If you want, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Fold and Cut:
Now, fold the puff pastry in half over the cheese and herbs. Gently press down to seal it. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into strips about 1/2 inch wide.
6. Twist the Strips:
Take each strip and twist it a few times to create a spiral shape. This will make them look pretty and help them bake nicely!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the twisted strips onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each twist.
8. Brush Again:
Brush the tops lightly with the remaining beaten egg. This step is key for achieving that lovely browning effect.
9. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re puffed up and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists as a delicious snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is the star here, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchy texture, or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just remember that moisture content can affect the twists’ crispiness, so avoid overly wet cheeses.
Can I Make These Twists Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the twists a few hours in advance! Just assemble them, place them on the baking sheet, and cover them with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, brush with the egg wash and start baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes before serving again.
What Can I Serve With These Twists?
These cheesy twists are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy dipping sauce for added flavor!
