These Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists are crispy, cheesy bites that are super fun to make! Just twist sheets of flaky pastry with Parmesan cheese to create delicious snacks.
Whenever I’m hosting friends, these twists are a hit! They’re so easy to whip up, and I can sneak a few while making them too. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: A must for this recipe! You can find it frozen in most grocery stores. If you want a more wholesome version, look for whole wheat puff pastry.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even a good-quality shredded Italian blend.
Parsley: Dried parsley works fine, but I love the fresh flavor of chopped parsley. If you don’t have parsley, you can try oregano or thyme for a different herb twist.
Garlic Powder: This adds a nice garlic flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic. Feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan or use fresh minced garlic instead for a bolder taste.
How Do You Get the Twist Just Right?
The key to those beautiful twists is in how you handle the pastry. Here’s a simple way to perfect your twists:
- Start by cutting the strips of pastry evenly; this ensures they cook uniformly.
- When twisting, hold one end of the strip firmly and turn the other end in the opposite direction, creating a smooth spiral.
- Don’t be afraid to give a little bit of tension while twisting; this helps them puff up nicely in the oven.
Remember to place them with space between each twist on the baking sheet. This allows for proper puffing and browning!
Puff Pastry Parmesan Twists
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional: pinch of black pepper or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. So, in just about 25 minutes, you can enjoy these delightful Parmesan twists!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). While that’s happening, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the twists don’t stick.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your sheet of puff pastry and unfold it. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases. This helps it bake evenly.
3. Add the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, spread this mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry. This will give it a nice golden color when baking.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese and Seasoning:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the pastry. Then add the dried parsley and garlic powder on top. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper or Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
5. Cut and Twist:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Pick up each strip and gently twist it a few times to create a spiral shape.
6. Arrange and Bake:
Place the twisted strips on your baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature with some marinara sauce or your favorite dip. Enjoy!
These twists make a deliciously crispy, cheesy appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it.
How Do I Store Leftover Parmesan Twists?
To store leftovers, place the twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Freeze These Twists?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked twists. Just prepare them up to the bending step, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Dip These Twists In?
These Parmesan twists pair well with a variety of dips! Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try garlic butter, pesto, or a creamy ranch dip for extra flavor options.