Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl

Crispy, buttery, and full of bold flavor, these Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls are a gourmet-style snack or appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make. Earthy walnuts, fragrant thyme, and tangy blue cheese are wrapped in flaky puff pastry and twisted into beautiful, savory spirals. They’re perfect for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or as an elegant bite to accompany soups and salads.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant Yet Easy – Looks fancy, but made with just a few simple steps.
Bold, Balanced Flavors – Tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic thyme are a perfect match.
Crowd-Pleasing – A unique twist on classic pastry appetizers.
Versatile – Serve warm or room temperature, as a snack or side.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep ahead and bake when ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ⅓ cup finely chopped walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
• All-purpose flour (for dusting the work surface)

Tools You’ll Need
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour.
Unfold or roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches.
If the edges are uneven, trim them to neaten the shape.

Step 3: Add the Filling
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the entire pastry sheet.
Top with chopped walnuts and scatter the thyme leaves across the surface.
Press gently with your hands or a rolling pin to help the filling stick.

Step 4: Cut and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet into ½-inch to 1-inch wide strips.
Take each strip and gently twist both ends in opposite directions to form a spiral.
Place each twirl on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash
Lightly brush the tops of the twists with the beaten egg.
This gives them a golden, glossy finish when baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Optional Drizzle
Let the twirls cool for a few minutes on the pan.
If desired, drizzle lightly with honey for a sweet contrast to the bold cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer, snack, or side.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Twirls
Keep Pastry Cold – Cold puff pastry puffs up best. If it gets too soft, chill before twisting.
Use a Sharp Knife – Clean cuts help the pastry puff evenly.
Toast the Walnuts – Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
Press Filling Gently – Helps everything stay in place during twisting and baking.
Add a Drizzle – A touch of honey or fig jam on the side enhances the savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Platter – Pair with olives, grapes, and cured meats for a gourmet board.
With Soup – Serve alongside creamy tomato soup or butternut squash bisque.
As a Salad Side – Excellent with arugula, apple, and balsamic-dressed greens.
Party Snack – Perfect finger food for holidays, brunches, or wine nights.
Breakfast Treat – A savory start to the day with a coffee or tea pairing.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, though crispiness may reduce.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive the crunch.
Avoid the Microwave: It softens the pastry and ruins the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the twists for up to 1 day before baking.
2. Can I freeze them?
   Freeze unbaked twists on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
3. What can I use instead of blue cheese?
   Goat cheese or feta works well if you prefer a milder flavor.
4. Are these vegetarian?
   Yes, just ensure your cheese is made without animal rennet if needed.
5. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Absolutely—just make sure it’s puff pastry, not pie crust, for best texture.

Final Thoughts
These Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls are as delicious as they are beautiful. They’re elegant enough for entertaining, yet simple enough for everyday snacking. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side, or on a grazing board, they’ll add a touch of sophistication and flavor to any occasion.

Try this recipe out and share your results! Don’t forget to leave a review and tag your creations online—we love seeing what you make.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

Print