Hello, food lovers! Today we’re creating a savory, flaky pastry that’s both elegant and irresistible. This Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl combines tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic thyme wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry. Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or a sophisticated snack, this recipe is sure to impress at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant yet easy: Made from store-bought puff pastry, this dish looks gourmet without the fuss.
- Flavor-packed: Tangy cheese, earthy nuts, and fragrant thyme create layers of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, alongside a fresh salad, or as a party snack.
- Customizable: Easily swap cheeses or nuts to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (square)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 100 g blue cheese, crumbled (or vegan alternative)
- 100 g Parmesan cheese, grated (or nutritional yeast)
- 50 g walnuts, chopped
- 6–8 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). For non-fan ovens, increase to 200°C (390°F).
2. Prepare the Pastry
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey evenly over each puff pastry sheet.
3. Add the Fillings
Evenly distribute the chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and grated Parmesan over the sheets. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top and season with sea salt and cracked pepper.
4. Roll and Cut
Roll each sheet of pastry tightly. Cut each roll in half lengthwise. Tuck edges as needed to keep the filling inside.
5. Twist and Shape
Place the pastry halves on parchment paper and carefully twist each into a coil or round shape.
6. Brush and Bake
Brush each pastry coil with milk for a golden finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until puffed, golden, and cooked through.
7. Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle extra thyme leaves, and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Pastry
- Crispier pastry: Keep puff pastry chilled before handling.
- Avoid sogginess: Make sure fillings aren’t too wet.
- Flavor boost: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished pastry for a sweet-tangy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad or creamy tomato soup.
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Chop leftovers into small pieces for salad toppings or as a garnish for casseroles.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different cheese?
A1: Yes! Goat cheese or feta works beautifully.
Q2: How can I make it nut-free?
A2: Omit the walnuts and try sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Q3: What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
A3: Use half the amount of dried thyme as a substitute.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 24 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Rich in calcium and healthy fats, this pastry also benefits from the antioxidants in thyme.
Conclusion
This Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is a sophisticated yet simple way to impress at any meal or gathering. Flaky, cheesy, nutty, and aromatic, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite ingredients, and share the love at yo