Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe

Savory Blue Cheese & Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe

Crisp, golden layers of buttery puff pastry swirl with tangy blue cheese walnut and thyme pull apart puff pastry twirl in this irresistible appetizer.

Flaky pastry meets bold, earthy flavors that dance across your palate.

Each twist reveals a delicate blend of nutty walnuts and pungent blue cheese.

Fragrant thyme adds an elegant herbal note to this stunning dish.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant crowd-pleaser that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Guests will marvel at your culinary skills with this show-stopping pastry creation.

Blue Cheese Walnut Puff Pastry Twirl Reasons

  • Elevate Appetizer Game: Impress guests with a stunning, gourmet-looking pastry that looks like it came from a fancy bakery.
  • Quick Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy blue cheese, nutty walnuts, and aromatic thyme for a complex taste profile that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Simple Showstopper: Requires minimal cooking skills but delivers maximum visual and flavor impact, perfect for home cooks wanting to look like pro chefs.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Works brilliantly as an elegant starter, brunch centerpiece, or delightful side dish that suits multiple occasions from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties.

Blue Cheese Walnut Puff Pastry Ingredients List

Base Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Light and flaky pastry that provides the foundation for this delicate twist.
  • Blue Cheese: Tangy and creamy cheese that adds a rich, bold flavor to the pastry.
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that bring a nutty texture and depth to the dish.
Cheese and Herbs:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves: Aromatic herb that provides a subtle, earthy note to the pastry.
Finishing and Seasoning:
  • Honey: Sweet drizzle that caramelizes during baking and adds a golden touch.
  • Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste.
  • Milk: Used for brushing to create a golden, shiny exterior on the pastry.

Puff Pastry Twirl Simple Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for baking your delicious pastry twirls.

Step 2: Drizzle Honey

Generously spread honey over each puff pastry sheet, adding a sweet undertone to the savory ingredients.

Step 3: Sprinkle Delicious Toppings

Gather your flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Sea salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Scatter these ingredients evenly across the puff pastry sheets, creating a mouthwatering layer of textures and tastes.

Step 4: Roll and Slice the Pastry

Carefully roll up each pastry sheet into a tight log.

Slice each log in half lengthwise, gently tucking in the edges to keep the delicious filling secure.

Step 5: Shape and Twist the Pastry

Place a sheet of baking paper on your work surface.

Delicately twist each pastry length into a beautiful coiled shape, creating an eye-catching spiral that will impress your guests.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the pastry twirls with milk to achieve a gorgeous golden sheen.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is beautifully puffed and cooked through.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the twirls from the oven and sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves on top.

Serve warm and watch as everyone eagerly devours these delectable pastry treats.

Pro Tips For Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Twirl

  • Pinch pastry edges firmly to seal in cheese and prevent melting out during baking.
  • Let pastry rest for 5 minutes after drizzling honey to allow deeper absorption into the dough.
  • Select creamy, high-quality blue cheese for more intense and rich flavor profile.
  • Brush pastry with egg wash instead of milk for a shinier, more golden-brown exterior.
  • Allow puff pastry to slightly soften at room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure smooth twisting.

Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe Variation Inspiration

  • Gluten-Free Cheese Swirl: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours, maintaining the same cheese and walnut filling for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap blue cheese with feta, replace walnuts with pine nuts, and add chopped rosemary and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that highlights Mediterranean ingredients.
  • Vegan Cheese Pastry: Use dairy-free blue cheese alternative, substitute walnuts with chopped almonds, replace honey with maple syrup, and employ vegan puff pastry to create a plant-based version of the original recipe.
  • Lighter Cheese Option: Reduce blue cheese quantity, incorporate low-fat ricotta or goat cheese, and use whole wheat puff pastry for a healthier, lighter version with similar taste complexity.

Puff Pastry Twirl Serving Suggestions Guide

  • Cheese Board Star: Slice the pull apart pastry and arrange on a rustic wooden board with additional blue cheese, fresh grapes, and fig jam for an elegant appetizer presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich blue cheese and nutty walnut flavors.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Add this pastry to a weekend brunch spread with a fresh green salad, scrambled eggs, and sliced fresh fruits for a stunning morning meal centerpiece.
  • Cocktail Party Nibble: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces perfect for easy pickup at gatherings, letting guests enjoy the savory blend of cheese, herbs, and flaky pastry.

Puff Pastry Twirl Storage For Freshness

  • Store leftover pastry twirls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them carefully to prevent moisture and preserve their crispy texture.
  • Freeze cooled pastry twirls in a sealed freezer bag or container for maximum 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm pastry twirls at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain pastry's original crunchiness.
  • Toast briefly in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original flaky texture and warmth.

FAQs

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Blue cheese provides a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the sweet honey and nutty walnuts perfectly. Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory depth to the pastry twirl.

  • Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make great substitutes and will add a similar crunchy texture to the pastry. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even distribution.

  • How do I prevent the filling from falling out while twisting?

After cutting the pastry lengthways, gently tuck the edges and press them slightly to help keep the cheese, walnuts, and thyme inside the pastry roll. This helps maintain the shape and prevents ingredients from spilling out during baking.

Print
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Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe

Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent blue cheese, walnut and thyme pull apart puff pastry twirl brings Mediterranean charm to your table with elegant layers of flavor. Crisp pastry, crumbled cheese, and fragrant herbs create a sophisticated appetizer perfect for sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Nuts:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) blue cheese, crumbled
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) walnuts, chopped

Pastry and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets puff pastry (square shaped)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 68 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
  • Sea salt
  • Cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Generously drizzle honey across the entire surface of each puff pastry sheet, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Sprinkle a balanced mixture of crumbled blue cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped walnuts evenly over the honey-coated pastry.
  4. Distribute fresh thyme leaves across the cheese and nut layer, then season with sea salt and cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor.
  5. Carefully roll up each pastry sheet, ensuring the filling remains tucked inside during the rolling process.
  6. Slice each rolled pastry lengthwise into two equal sections, gently adjusting the edges to contain the filling.
  7. Transfer the pastry sections onto the prepared baking paper, delicately twisting each piece into an elegant circular coil shape.
  8. Gently brush the pastry surfaces with milk to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the pastry becomes puffy, crisp, and achieves a rich golden-brown color.
  10. Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves for a final aromatic touch.
  11. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor combination.

Notes

  • Choose a creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort for richer, more intense flavor that melts beautifully into the pastry.
  • Pat walnuts dry before adding to pastry to reduce moisture and ensure crispy, flaky texture throughout.
  • Prepare pastry twirls up to the twisting stage, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to help maintain shape and create more defined layers during baking.
  • Swap blue cheese for dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for vegan version, or use gluten-free puff pastry for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 395 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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