Description
This Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is a savory and elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled with crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and aromatic fresh thyme, then twisted into a visually stunning spiral. Finished with an optional honey drizzle, this dish pairs beautifully with wine and is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Egg Wash and Garnish
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- All-purpose flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out both sheets of puff pastry to about 10 inches in diameter or the same size so they will layer evenly.
- Assemble Layers: Place one sheet of the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle crumbled blue cheese, toasted chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
- Add Top Layer: Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry over the filling to cover it completely, pressing gently to adhere the edges.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into 16 equal strips like spokes on a wheel, but leave the center intact to hold the shape. Carefully twist each strip a few times to create a beautiful spiral effect.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface generously with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Drizzle with honey, if desired, before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines, making it a great option for parties and special occasions.
- For variation, you can substitute the blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a milder flavor.
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal flakiness and crispness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore their crisp texture rather than using a microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
