Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe

Introduction

This Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl is a delightful and comforting appetizer that combines savory cheese, crunchy nuts, and fragrant herbs wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat any day.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (square shaped sheets)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 100 grams of blue cheese, crumbled
• 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• 50 grams of walnuts, chopped
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• Sea salt and cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). For electric non-fan ovens, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F).
2. Step 2: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey evenly over each sheet of puff pastry.
3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and grated Parmesan over both sheets. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top, then season with sea salt and cracked pepper.
4. Step 4: Roll each sheet of pastry tightly into a log. Cut each rolled log in half lengthwise, tucking in the pastry as needed to keep the filling inside.
5. Step 5: On a sheet of baking paper, twist each pastry length gently and shape it into a round coil.
6. Step 6: Brush the pastry coils with milk to help them brown nicely during baking.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, sprinkle extra thyme leaves on top, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute blue cheese with a vegan blue cheese alternative and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast to maintain flavor.
• Ensure your puff pastry sheets are well chilled before assembling to help them puff up during baking.
• You can add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat that complements the blue cheese.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the twirls and keep them wrapped in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly since it is more concentrated. Alternatively, other fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can add a different but complementary flavor.

Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

This Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl is a savory, comforting appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with rich blue cheese, sharp Parmesan, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant fresh thyme. The recipe combines sweet honey and savory cheeses, twisted into an elegant coil and baked to a golden perfection, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a cozy snack.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (2 puff pastry twirls, cut into portions) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Puff Pastry Base

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (square shaped sheets)
• 1 tablespoon of milk (for brushing)
• Sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste

Filling and Toppings

• 2 tablespoons of honey (1 tablespoon per puff pastry sheet)
• 100 grams of blue cheese, crumbled
• 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• 50 grams of walnuts, chopped
• 6–8 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves

Optional Substitutions

• Vegan blue cheese alternative (for blue cheese)
• Nutritional yeast (for Parmesan cheese)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using an electric non-fan forced oven, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) to ensure even baking and browning.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay out each sheet of puff pastry flat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey evenly over each pastry sheet to add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory filling.
3. Add the Toppings: Evenly distribute the chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese onto each sheet. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, and season with sea salt and cracked pepper to enhance the flavors.
4. Roll and Cut: Carefully roll up each sheet of puff pastry tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, cut each log lengthwise down the middle to reveal the layers of filling. If needed, gently tuck the pastry edges to keep the filling secure.
5. Twist and Shape: Place the two halves on a sheet of baking paper. Twist each half carefully and coil them into a round shape, creating an attractive twirled pattern that will bake evenly.
6. Brush and Bake: Brush the shaped pastry coils with milk to help achieve a golden-brown, glossy finish. Place them on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up, crisp, and golden.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the twirls from the oven, scatter a few extra fresh thyme leaves on top for garnish, and serve warm for the best taste and texture experience.

Notes

• You can substitute blue cheese with a vegan blue cheese alternative and Parmesan with nutritional yeast to accommodate vegan diets.
• If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed before assembly to prevent cracking during rolling.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the amount of salt, as blue cheese can be quite salty.
• Serve immediately for optimal puffiness and crisp texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose some crispness.
• For extra crunch, toast walnuts lightly before adding them to the pastry.

Keywords: blue cheese puff pastry, walnut thyme twirl, savory pastry appetizer, pull-apart puff pastry, easy party snacks, cheese and herb pastry