These Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists are crispy, cheesy delights that are super easy to whip up. Flaky pastry and tasty parmesan make them a perfect snack or party appetizer!
Honestly, who can resist these golden twists? They disappear faster than I can make them. And they’re perfect with a side of marinara for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the star of the show! Use store-bought puff pastry for ease. If you’re in a pinch, you might try making your own, but it takes time. Just ensure it’s thawed if frozen before using.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Dried Herbs: Italian herbs bring a lovely aroma. If you don’t have them, a bit of dried rosemary or a dash of chili flakes can be a nice change. Fresh herbs work too, but remember to adjust the amount since they’re stronger in flavor.
Garlic Powder: If you love garlic, feel free to increase the amount. Alternatively, minced fresh garlic can be used, but it might add moisture to the dough.
How Do You Get Puff Pastry to Twist Perfectly?
Twisting the pastry requires a gentle hand to keep it from tearing. Here’s how to do it:
- After cutting into strips, pick up a strip at both ends. Gently squeeze and twist it as you turn your wrists outward. This can create a nice spiral without breaking the pastry.
- Avoid using too much force; puff pastry is delicate. If it’s too cold, it may crack, so let it warm slightly if needed.
- Make sure to space the twists on the baking sheet. They puff up and need room to rise without sticking together!
Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’ll be quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet. Take a rolling pin and gently roll it out to smooth any creases. This will make it easier to work with.
3. Apply the Egg Wash:
Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give your twists a lovely golden color when baked.
4. Add the Flavor:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pastry. Follow this by adding the dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and some freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Cut the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Don’t worry about making them perfect—just aim for even strips!
6. Twist the Strips:
Take each strip and gently twist it several times to form a spiral shape. Place the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each twist to allow for puffing.
7. Final Egg Wash:
With the remaining egg wash, brush the tops of the twists lightly. This helps them brown nicely in the oven.
8. Bake the Twists:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the twists are puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, and enjoy these crispy, cheesy delights as a snack or appetizer!
Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist. Just be mindful of how melting properties might affect the final texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay extra crispy, consider reheating them in the oven for a few minutes instead of the microwave.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the twists in advance and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Serve These With?
These twists pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, pesto, or even a simple garlic aioli for dipping. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board!
