Name: Cheese Twists Made With Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package frozen puff pastry dough (2 sheets/16-17 ounces); 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (for dusting cutting board); 1 egg plus 1 tablespoon water; 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard powder (or 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard); 1 1/2 cups finely grated cheese (use small holes of a box grater or microplane grater); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or pinch of cayenne pepper); 1/2 teaspoon thyme or rosemary (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

I absolutely adore these Cheese Twists Made With Puff Pastry Recipe because they combine flaky, buttery layers with gooey, savory cheese in such a fun, twisty shape. Whenever I pull these golden, crispy beauties from the oven, the irresistible aroma fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but sneak a few before anyone else gets to them. They’re my go-to appetizer when I want something impressive yet surprisingly simple, perfect for sharing with friends or family gatherings. These cheese twists deliver a perfect balance of rich flavor and delightful crunch that always feels like a special treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Twists Made With Puff Pastry Recipe

What makes this recipe truly stand out to me is the way the puff pastry bakes into these perfectly flaky, buttery layers that just melt in your mouth. Combined with the sharp, savory cheese and a hint of mustard or herbs, each twist has this incredible depth of flavor that keeps me coming back for more. I love how the cheese crisps up on the edges and stays delicate on the inside, making every bite a wonderful texture experience.

Another thing I appreciate is how easy and quick it is to put these together. With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, I can whip up a batch in under half an hour. This recipe is ideal for those moments when I want something delicious but don’t want to fuss over complicated steps. Plus, these cheese twists are perfect for so many occasions — from casual weeknight snacks to holiday parties or elegant appetizers at a dinner gathering. I always feel proud serving something that looks fancy but is so effortless to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of ingredients arranged on a black textured surface. There's a clear glass bowl filled with yellow beaten eggs and a small whisk inside it. Next to the bowl, there's a tightly rolled white dough log wrapped in plastic. Two large slices of cheese, one with holes and the other smooth, are placed near the dough. In the upper right corner, a clear salt shaker and a pepper grinder with whole black peppercorns can be seen. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in bringing out the best flavor, texture, and visual appeal in the cheese twists. I love that almost everything is pantry-friendly, making this an ideal last-minute recipe.

Frozen puff pastry dough (2 sheets/16-17 ounces): This is the flaky, buttery base that gives the twists their irresistible texture.
Egg plus 1 tablespoon water: Creates an egg wash that helps the cheese stick and gives a lovely golden sheen to the twists.
All purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Used for dusting the cutting board, ensuring the dough doesn’t stick while you work.
Dried mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon) or Dijon mustard (1/2 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tangy kick that elevates the cheese flavor.
Finely grated cheese (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient—using a cheese like sharp cheddar or a blend gives richness and a melty texture.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned bite.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) or pinch of cayenne: Adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness.
Thyme or rosemary (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A fragrant herb that adds an aromatic note if you want to get a little fancy.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cheese twists bake evenly and won’t stick.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, salt, pepper, and dried mustard powder (or Dijon mustard). This egg wash will help the cheese adhere and give a shiny golden color once baked.

Step 3: Unroll each sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or a sheet of parchment paper. Each sheet should measure roughly 12 by 10 inches. If needed, stretch gently to achieve this size, but don’t overwork the dough.

Step 4: Using a pastry brush, lightly spread the egg mixture over the surface of each puff pastry sheet. This coats the dough and prepares it for the cheese.

Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese over the puff pastry sheets. If you’re adding thyme or rosemary, sprinkle it on now. Press down gently with the heel of your hand or a rolling pin so the cheese sticks firmly to the dough without tearing it.

Step 6: With a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the first puff pastry sheet into approximately 12 strips. You can cut the strips in half for shorter twists, making about 48 in total. Repeat with the second sheet of dough.

Step 7: Grab each strip at both ends and twist the dough in opposite directions to create corkscrews. Lay the twisted strips onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart as they will expand during baking.

Step 8: Bake the cheese twists in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the cooking time.

Servings and Timing

This Cheese Twists Made With Puff Pastry Recipe yields about 48 shorter twists or 24 longer twists, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for multiple occasions. The prep time takes me approximately 15 minutes, and the baking is usually around 15 minutes, bringing the total time to roughly 30 minutes. No resting time is needed, so you can serve them hot and fresh directly from the oven.

How to Serve This Cheese Twists Made With Puff Pastry Recipe

The image shows many thin, twisted breadsticks on a white parchment paper that lies on a white marbled surface. Each breadstick has a golden brown color with a slightly shiny texture indicating a baked cheesy topping sprinkled with small bits of dried herbs and seasoning. The breadsticks are arranged closely in rows, filling the frame from one side to the other, with some twists tighter and some loose, giving a rough but tempting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these cheese twists, I love presenting them warm so you get that perfect contrast of crispy exterior and melty cheesy interior. They make fabulous party finger foods, and I often pair them with a variety of dips like marinara, garlic aioli, or a cool ranch dressing. These add an extra layer of flavor and keep the experience fun and interactive for guests.

For a colorful presentation, I sometimes arrange the twists on a large platter garnished with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. It adds a lovely herbaceous note to the overall look. If I’m hosting a brunch or casual lunch, I serve them alongside a fresh, crisp salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

As for drinks, these cheese twists are incredible alongside sparkling wine or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. For cocktail lovers, a light gin and tonic complements their flavors beautifully. And of course, if you want a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea is a refreshing match that balances the buttery, cheesy notes perfectly.

Variations

I love experimenting with ingredients, and this recipe is super flexible. To change things up, you can swap the sharp cheddar for other favorites like Gruyère, Parmesan, or a smoky smoked gouda for different flavor profiles. Adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese layer is an easy way to introduce new flavors without extra effort.

For those needing dietary modifications, using gluten-free puff pastry dough works well if you can find a good-quality brand, though the texture might be slightly different. Vegans can try dairy-free puff pastry paired with vegan cheese alternatives; just be sure to check the meltability for the best results.

If you want a cooking twist, try brushing the twists with a little garlic butter right after baking for an extra layer of flavor. You can also make these ahead and freeze them raw, then bake fresh when guests arrive for an effortless appetizer that feels homemade but hardly requires last-minute work.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend letting the cheese twists cool completely and then storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Using a rigid container prevents them from getting crushed and helps maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I usually freeze the twists raw, laid out on a parchment-lined tray until firm (about an hour), then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the twists in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until they regain their crispness and warmth. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes them soggy and less enjoyable. Reheating in the oven or a toaster oven is the best way to bring them back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides cheddar?

Absolutely! I often swap cheddar with cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well and is finely grated so it sticks to the pastry nicely without making the dough soggy.

Do I have to use frozen puff pastry?

Frozen puff pastry is recommended because it’s convenient and reliably flaky once baked. If you want to make puff pastry from scratch, that works too, but it’s a much lengthier process. Frozen puff pastry is a great shortcut for quick, delicious results.

Can I prepare these cheese twists ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the twisted strips and place them on the baking sheets, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them raw for longer storage and bake directly from frozen whenever you’re ready.

What if I don’t have dried mustard powder?

No problem at all! Dijon mustard is a perfect substitute and adds a lovely tangy depth. If neither is available, you can simply omit it, but I personally recommend adding some for that extra layer of flavor.

Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?

This recipe is vegetarian as written, using no meat products. Just be sure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly (some cheeses use animal rennet, which strict vegetarians avoid). Most sharp cheddars and common cheeses should be fine.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Cheese Twists Made With Puff Pastry Recipe enough if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy, and utterly delicious appetizer. Its flaky texture, gooey cheese, and beautiful presentation never fail to impress everyone around my table. Whether you’re serving it for a party or a casual snack, I promise these twists will become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do!