why make this recipe
The Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl is a delightful snack or appetizer that balances creamy and bold flavors. The rich blue cheese complements the crunchy walnuts, while fresh thyme adds a touch of herbaceousness. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and parties, as it’s simple to make, and everyone loves finger foods. Plus, the puff pastry gives it a beautiful, flaky texture that is hard to resist!
how to make Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl
Ingredients:
- 3.5 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 3.5 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 square sheets puff pastry
- 1.75 ounces walnuts, chopped
- 6–8 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
- Sea salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. If using a non-fan forced electric oven, set the temperature to 390°F.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey evenly over each square of puff pastry.
- Distribute the chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and grated Parmesan evenly across both pastry sheets. Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Tightly roll each pastry sheet into a log. Slice each roll in half lengthwise. Gently tuck the pastry edges if needed to enclose the fillings.
- On parchment paper, carefully twist each pastry length, then coil each piece to form a round spiral.
- Brush the pastry coils with milk to encourage a golden color. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
- Remove the twirls from the oven, scatter additional thyme leaves if desired, and serve warm.
how to serve Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl
These twirls are best served warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair beautifully with a glass of white wine or a light beer. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or a simple balsamic glaze for added flavor.
how to store Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
tips to make Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl
- Make sure your puff pastry is thawed and chilled for the best texture.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be a substitute if needed.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and walnuts based on your taste preferences.
variation
You can try adding different nuts, like pecans or almonds, or substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Adding a bit of garlic powder or crushed red pepper can give it an extra kick!
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the twirls and roll them up, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold.
2. Can I freeze Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked twirls. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What can I serve with the twirls?
These twirls pair well with a mixed green salad, a cheese platter, or even a charcuterie board. They are versatile and can fit into many meal occasions!
Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Twirl
Ingredients
Cheeses and nuts
- 3.5 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
- 3.5 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.75 ounces walnuts, chopped
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry square sheets
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon milk for brushing
- 6-8 sprigs fresh thyme leaves plus additional for serving
- to taste sea salt
- to taste cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (390°F for non-fan forced electric ovens).
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey evenly over each square of puff pastry.
- Distribute the chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and grated Parmesan evenly across both pastry sheets. Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Tightly roll each pastry sheet into a log. Slice each roll in half lengthwise, gently tucking the pastry edges to enclose the fillings.
Baking
- On parchment paper, carefully twist each pastry length, then coil each piece to form a round spiral.
- Brush the pastry coils with milk to encourage a golden color.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, scatter additional thyme leaves if desired, and serve warm.