Cheese twists

Keep puff pastry twists in the freezer for all occasions

When it comes to entertaining, bought puff pastry is a cook’s best friend. Whether used to make sausage rolls, mini pizzas or puff pastry scrolls, its mouth-watering, buttery quality means a big gain for little strain.   

When it comes to simple puff pastry recipes, our cheese pastry twists reign supreme.

Also known as cheese twists, these crunchy, flaky sticks have been a staple at cocktail parties since the 1970s and there’s a reason they’ve stuck around. They’re a cinch to make, can be made in advance and are easy on the budget. Keep a batch of these beauties in the freezer ready to bake when friends drop in or for hungry kids after sports.

You’re only five ingredients away from puff pastry cheese twists bliss

When buying puff pastry look for butter puff pastry, which is made with butter, not margarine. Both work a treat but butter adds that slight extra richness that marries with the cheese. Make sure your pastry has defrosted but is not at room temperature as it will rip when you try to slice it. If warm, return it to the fridge until firm.  

We’ve used two types of cheese in our recipe for cheese twists. It’s best to stick to hard cheeses like parmesan and cheddar – although Gruyere can be used. Steer away from a super melty cheese like mozzarella. Also, it’s best to avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as it has an anti-caking agent to prevent them from sticking together in the bag. While an ideal convenience ingredient for pizzas and bakes, it’s best to freshly grate cheese for these crispy twists.

Use a sharp knife to cut your cheese pastry into strips. If you have one, a pizza cutter also works well. When it comes to twisting your pastry, you can twist it in one of two ways. Start from one end or you can hold the pastry lengths at each end and twist In opposite directions. Don’t worry too much if they’re a bit rustic – these golden beauties are so more-ish, that no one’s looking for perfection.

Try these variations for puff pastry cheese twists

Make our cheese twist recipe as is or you can play around with flavours. Spread the pastry with store-bought basil or sundried tomato pesto or olive tapenade. If you are serving these at a cocktail party, they look great displayed in a tall glass. The straws can be eaten alone or with easy dips, such as creamy guacamole, capsicum pesto or spinach hommus. They can be added to an elegant cheese board or antipasto platter. Or swap croutons for these cheese pastry crisps and serve with French onion or pumpkin soup, or even alongside a classic stew.