Of course! Cheese Twists are an incredibly easy, impressive, and delicious appetizer or snack. They are the perfect way to use up puff pastry and are always a hit at parties. They look fancy but require minimal effort.
Here are two fantastic methods: one using puff pastry (for a flaky, buttery twist) and one using pizza dough (for a softer, bread-like twist).
Method 1: Puff Pastry Cheese Twists (Elegant & Flaky)
These are light, crispy, and have a fantastic shatter-in-your-mouth quality.
Ingredients:
· 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
· 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Gouda
· 1 tsp smoked paprika or garlic powder (optional)
· All-purpose flour, for dusting
· 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
· Freshly chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to a 10×12 inch rectangle.
- Add Cheese: Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg wash. This will help the cheese stick. In a small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, shredded cheese, and paprika (if using). Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface, pressing down gently so it adheres.
- Cut and Twist:
· Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, creating two long rectangles.
· Then, cut each rectangle into strips about 1-inch wide.
· Carefully pick up each strip by both ends and gently twist it in opposite directions 2-3 times. - Bake: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, pressing the ends down onto the parchment to prevent them from unravelling.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and deep golden brown.
- Serve: Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before serving. They are best served warm! Garnish with fresh herbs.
Method 2: Pizza Dough Cheese Twists (Soft & Chewy)
These are like the best parts of a cheesy breadstick, twisted up!
Ingredients:
· 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), at room temperature
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle.
- Add Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and minced garlic. Brush this garlic oil evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning evenly over the top.
- Fold and Cut:
· Carefully fold the dough in half lengthwise, so you have a long, 5×12 inch rectangle. Press the edges together gently.
· Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. You should have about 12 strips. - Twist: Carefully pick up each strip and gently twist it 3-4 times.
- Bake: Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, pressing the ends down.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
🌟 Pro-Tips for Perfect Twists:
· Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: The best way is in the refrigerator for a few hours. If it’s too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to work with.
· Get Cheesy: Feel free to experiment with cheese blends! A mix of a great melter (like mozzarella) and a strong flavor (like Parmesan or sharp cheddar) is ideal.
· Add-Ins: Before twisting, you can also sprinkle on cooked, crumbled bacon, everything bagel seasoning, or a sprinkle of cayenne for heat.
· Don’t Over-twist: A few firm twists are all you need. Over-twisting can cause the dough to tear.
· Press Ends Down: This is a crucial step to prevent the twists from untwisting in the oven’s heat.
· Make-Ahead: You can assemble the twists, place them on the baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking.
Whether you choose the flaky puff pastry or the soft pizza dough version, these cheese twists are guaranteed to disappear fast. Enjoy