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These gorgeous spiral appetizers combine tangy blue cheese with crunchy walnuts and fragrant thyme in flaky puff pastry layers. They look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make. They'll transform any get-together into something a bit more special with their beautiful swirled presentation.
I whipped these pastry spirals up for an impromptu dinner party once, and they were gone in seconds. They've now become the appetizer my friends always ask for whenever I'm hosting.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: They're the key to those golden flaky layers everyone loves. Grab the all-butter kind if you can - they taste way better.
- Blue cheese: This gives that punchy flavor base. Pick one that's creamy but still breaks apart easily with nice blue streaks.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that works magic with the blue cheese. Don't use pre-grated stuff - grate it fresh.
- Walnuts: They bring that must-have crunch factor. Give them a quick toast first to wake up their flavor.
- Fresh thyme: Adds that lovely herb scent that cuts through the richness. Go for bright green bunches without any dark spots.
- Honey: Balances out the salty cheese with a touch of sweetness. Try wildflower or clover for extra aroma.
- Whole milk: Helps create that beautiful golden outside during baking. Full-fat works best.
- Sea salt and black pepper: They make all the other flavors pop. Take the extra minute to grind your pepper fresh.
How To Make Delicious Cheese Pastry Coils
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Heat your oven to 350°F with fan or 390°F regular. Put parchment on a baking sheet. Keep that puff pastry in the fridge until you're totally ready - warm pastry gets sticky and won't puff up right.
- Create The Base:
- Take your cold puff pastry out and lay it on a lightly floured counter. If it's not roughly 10x10 inches, roll it gently to that size. Work fast so it stays nice and cold.
- Layer The Fillings:
- Drizzle honey across each pastry sheet, making sure it reaches every corner. Sprinkle blue cheese all over, then add your fresh Parmesan. Scatter the walnuts and thyme leaves on top. Finish with a tiny pinch of salt and some fresh pepper to bring it all together.
- Form The Rolls:
- Start from the bottom and roll each sheet up into a tight log about 2 inches around. Press firmly but don't squash it. With a sharp knife, cut straight down the middle of each roll to make two long strips with all the layers showing.
- Shape Into Coils:
- Twist each strip a few times to show off those lovely layers. Curl each twisted strip into a spiral, leaving small spaces so it can grow while baking. Tuck the end underneath so it won't come apart in the oven.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Brush milk over the whole thing to help it brown nicely. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it's gorgeous golden brown with visible layers. Check that the inside hits 190°F so you don't end up with any raw dough spots.
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The walnuts in this dish hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of my grandma's walnut trees. She always told me that walnuts make sweet things taste sweeter and savory things more interesting. The smell of these coils baking always takes me straight back to her kitchen.
Perfect Puff Pastry Tips
Lots of people get nervous about working with puff pastry, but the store-bought kind makes this super doable. Just remember - it's all about keeping things cool. Your pastry should never feel warm. If it starts getting soft or sticky, just pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. This little trick guarantees those awesome layers will puff up instead of melting together.
Cheese Pairing Possibilities
Blue cheese makes these really fancy, but you can totally switch things up. Want something lighter? Try crumbled goat cheese with a handful of dried cranberries. Looking for comfort food? Gruyere with some caramelized onions works amazingly well. You can follow the same steps no matter what filling you choose, so feel free to play around with flavors.
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Serving Suggestions
These pastry coils really stand out as part of a bigger spread. Serve them a bit warm next to a simple green salad with light dressing to balance the richness. They're also great with a bowl of tomato soup for something more filling. If you're into wine, these go nicely with bold reds or crisp whites. For fancy parties, cut them into smaller wedges and stick cocktail picks in them so they're easier for guests to grab.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the pastry crisp?
Make sure the puff pastry stays cool, below 45°F/7°C, while working with it. Move quickly to keep the butter from melting.
- → What can I use instead of blue cheese?
Swap it out for feta, goat, or brie if you'd like something milder or with a different texture.
- → What goes well with these pastries?
They taste great with a fresh salad, creamy tomato soup, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A chilled glass of white wine works too!
- → How long will these pastries last?
Leave them out for up to 2 hours. If refrigerated at 40°F (4°C), they'll last for 3 days. Warm them at 350°F for 10 minutes when ready to serve.
- → What's the trick to baking them evenly?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (fan) or 390°F (regular). Put the pastries in the center of the oven and bake till they're golden and reach an inside temp of 190°F (88°C).