Puff Pastry Cheese Twists with Parmesan

Puff Pastry Cheese Twists with Parmesan are a light, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy snack that feels elegant yet is incredibly easy to make. Made with flaky puff pastry, savory Parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings, these twists bake up golden and crisp with layers that shatter beautifully in every bite.

They’re perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or as a crunchy side for soups and salads. This recipe is proof that a handful of pantry staples can transform into a bakery-style treat with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

The flaky layers of puff pastry combined with the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan create a snack that feels indulgent and bakery-worthy, yet takes very little effort to make. I also love how versatile it is—you can change the cheese, add herbs or spice, and still get perfect results every time. Whether served at a party or enjoyed fresh from the oven, these cheese twists always feel special and satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience
• Crispy, flaky, and full of cheesy flavor
• Perfect for entertaining or snacking
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Easy to customize with herbs and spices

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18–22 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6–8
Calories: Approximately 190 calories per serving

Course: Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine: French-inspired / European

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or thyme (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry slightly on a floured surface.
3. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan.
4. Cut into strips, twist, and arrange on a baking sheet.
5. Bake until golden and crisp.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Lightly roll it out on a floured surface to smooth creases.

Step 2: Add Flavor
Brush pastry with egg wash or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, herbs, and black pepper.

Step 3: Cut and Twist
Cut pastry into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip gently and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly before serving for maximum crispness.

How to Serve

Serve Puff Pastry Cheese Twists warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect alongside soups, salads, cheese boards, or served with marinara or mustard dip for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use finely grated Parmesan for even coverage
• Keep puff pastry cold for best puff
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet
• Twist gently to avoid tearing pastry
• Serve fresh for best texture

Variations

Cheddar Twist: Replace Parmesan with sharp cheddar.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Herb Twist: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme.
Everything Seasoning: Use everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch.
Sweet-Savory: Add a pinch of sugar for balance.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:
Store baked cheese twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing:
Freeze unbaked twisted pastry on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Conclusion

Puff Pastry Cheese Twists with Parmesan are an easy yet elegant snack that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable, they’re perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a simple homemade treat. Once you make them, they’re sure to become a staple in your appetizer rotation.