Cheese Thyme Pastry

These flaky Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls turn basic ingredients into a showstopping starter that's as tasty as it looks. When tangy blue cheese meets sweet honey and fragrant thyme, you get a flavor combo that'll make guests think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours.

I whipped these twirls up for a last-minute wine gathering with pals, and now they've become my go-to party food. Even folks who normally avoid blue cheese can't resist these golden, puffy spirals.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheets: Store-bought squares or rectangles create the perfect flaky foundation
• Honey: Brings just enough sweetness to balance out the sharp cheese flavors
• Blue cheese: Break it into small pieces—try something creamy like Gorgonzola for the best outcome
• Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh for that rich, salty kick
• Walnuts: Chop them roughly to add that necessary crunch and nutty taste
• Fresh thyme: Pull off the tiny leaves for that wonderful herbal flavor that cuts the richness
• Milk: A quick brush helps create that beautiful golden color
• Sea salt and cracked pepper: They bring out all the other flavors

How To Make Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl

Get The Oven Hot:

Warm up your oven to 180C with fan or 200C without. Getting it nice and hot beforehand makes sure your pastry puffs up right away.

Set Up Your Flavors:

Put your puff pastry sheets on a clean counter. Drizzle a spoonful of honey over each and use the back of your spoon to spread it thinly, almost reaching the edges.

Sprinkle Your Mix-ins:

Cover each sheet with equal amounts of blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, and Parmesan. Make sure everything's spread out evenly so every bite tastes just right.

Add Some Zing:

Pull thyme leaves off their stems and scatter them across your pastry. Add a good pinch of sea salt and fresh black pepper to bring out all those savory flavors.

Create Your Logs:

From one side, roll each pastry sheet into a tight log, pressing lightly as you go to keep everything in place. Use a sharp knife to cut each log down the middle lengthwise to show off the swirl pattern.

Twist And Turn:

Gently twist each strip to make a rope, then curl each twisted rope into a spiral on a paper-lined baking sheet. Tuck the end underneath so it stays put.

Finish And Bake:

Brush a little milk on each spiral to help them turn golden. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they've puffed up nicely and turned deep gold.

Final Touches:

Take them out and right away sprinkle with extra fresh thyme. The warmth will wake up the herb's smell. Let them cool a bit before serving warm.

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I stumbled onto adding honey to this recipe when I ran out of egg wash one time. That little bit of sweetness totally changes how the blue cheese tastes, making everything so much more interesting. My dad swears he hates blue cheese but I've watched him polish off half a twirl without coming up for air.

Make Ahead Tips

These twirls are perfect for parties because you can get them all ready to bake and keep them in the fridge for up to a day. Just take them out about 15 minutes before you want to bake them so they warm up a bit. They actually hold their shape better when the pastry's a little cold, which makes them super easy for entertaining.

Cheese Variations

Blue cheese gives these twirls their standout flavor, but you can switch things up based on what you like or have handy. For something milder, try goat cheese with herbs or brie with fig jam instead of honey. If you want something bolder, aged cheddar and caramelized onions work great together. Just remember to balance a flavorful cheese with something sweet and something crunchy.

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Serving Suggestions

These twirls fit so many occasions. Serve them as a fancy starter with a small side salad and simple dressing. For casual get-togethers, cut them into smaller pieces before baking to make bite-sized snacks that go perfectly with bubbly drinks. They also look great on a cheese board or can fill out a meal when served with soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I stop the pastry from coming apart?

Keep the roll tight and well-sealed while cutting. Chill the pastry for 10-15 minutes in the fridge before you start twisting.

→ What if I don't like blue cheese?

No problem. Swap it with feta, goat cheese, or cream cheese if you prefer a milder taste.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Put leftover twists in an airtight container. Keep at room temp for up to two days. To refresh them, pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes before serving.

→ Can I prep these earlier?

Of course! Roll the pastry up to a day ahead and leave it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving for the best flavor!

→ What else can I put on top?

You can add varieties like caramelized onions, mozzarella with prosciutto, or even sun-dried tomatoes paired with basil.