Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of savory flavors with Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl! Imagine golden, flaky puff pastry twisted into beautiful swirls, oozing with the rich, creamy tang of blue cheese, the earthy crunch of walnuts, and the aromatic warmth of fresh thyme. It’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a fun appetizer to enjoy with friends, this delightful pastry is guaranteed to steal the show.
Trust me, you’re going to love how the buttery pastry contrasts with the bold blue cheese, while the nuts and thyme bring layers of texture and flavor. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the magic that happens when savory ingredients come together in one delicious bite.
Why You’ll Love Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
Bold & Flavorful
The blue cheese delivers that rich, tangy depth, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The fresh thyme infuses the pastry with an herby, savory aroma that’s truly irresistible. This combination is a flavor explosion in every bite!
Easy & Elegant
This recipe looks gourmet but comes together with minimal effort. Puff pastry makes everything easier, and the pull-apart design creates a fun, interactive element when it’s time to dig in.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s the kind of appetizer everyone raves about. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or just as a snack, this pull-apart pastry is sure to impress your guests.
Perfect for Pairing
Serve it with a glass of wine—maybe a bold red or a crisp white—or as part of a cheese board. The possibilities for pairing are endless, making it a versatile addition to any spread.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl:
Puff Pastry
The base for this entire recipe! You’ll need a sheet of puff pastry that will puff up into a golden, flaky treat as it bakes.
Blue Cheese
Use your favorite blue cheese for this recipe—Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton all work wonderfully. Its creamy, tangy flavor is the star of the show.
Walnuts
Chopped walnuts add the perfect crunch and complement the richness of the blue cheese with their earthy flavor.
Fresh Thyme
The aromatic herb thyme brings a light, herby fragrance that balances the richness of the cheese and adds depth to the flavor profile.
Olive Oil or Butter
A little bit of olive oil or melted butter is used to brush the puff pastry, ensuring it turns golden brown and crisp in the oven.
Egg Wash
Brushing the pastry with an egg wash gives it that beautiful golden sheen and adds a touch of richness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on creating this delicious masterpiece!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that the puff pastry bakes to golden perfection.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the sheet of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out to a slightly larger rectangle, ensuring it’s even.
Step 3: Spread the Blue Cheese
Crumble the blue cheese evenly over the surface of the pastry. Be generous with the cheese—it’s the star ingredient!
Step 4: Sprinkle Walnuts and Thyme
Evenly distribute the chopped walnuts and fresh thyme leaves over the cheese. The nuts will add a lovely texture, while the thyme will infuse the pastry with a fragrant herbiness.
Step 5: Brush with Oil or Butter
Brush the edges of the pastry with a little olive oil or melted butter. This helps the pastry get nice and golden as it bakes.
Step 6: Roll Up the Pastry
Carefully roll up the puff pastry from one edge, making sure to keep the filling tightly packed inside. The goal is to create a long, filled log of pastry.
Step 7: Twist into a Swirl
Once the pastry is rolled up, slice it into even pieces (about 1 inch thick). Lay the slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then gently twist each slice into a spiral or “twirl” shape. Arrange them slightly apart to allow for puffing up while baking.
Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the pastries with a beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden sheen while baking.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the pastry twists in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the twists cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, so dive in and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
On a Cheese Board
These little pastry swirls make an elegant addition to a cheese board. Pair them with your favorite cheeses, fresh fruits, and charcuterie for an elevated appetizer spread.
With a Glass of Wine
A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the richness of the blue cheese. If you prefer white, try a crisp Chardonnay to balance the richness.
As Part of a Dinner Spread
Serve alongside a salad with a light vinaigrette or as a side dish to complement a main course like roasted chicken or steak.
For Entertaining
These pull-apart pastries are perfect for entertaining. They can be served as an appetizer or even at brunch, where guests can help themselves to the delicious twirls.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead
You can assemble the pull-apart pastries in advance, then cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just allow them to come to room temperature before baking for best results.
Play with Fillings
Feel free to experiment with other fillings—add caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore the pastry’s crispiness.
Freezing Option
You can freeze the unbaked twists before cooking. Once you twist them and arrange them on the baking sheet, place the sheet in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: While blue cheese is perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, Gruyère, or cheddar. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover pastry twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven to maintain the crispiness of the pastry.
Q4: Can I freeze the unbaked pastries?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked twists! Just arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
With its irresistible combination of blue cheese, walnuts, and thyme wrapped in buttery puff pastry, Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a casual get-together, or just indulging in something special, these flavorful twists will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy!
PrintBlue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–10 twirls (depending on the size of your pastry) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirls are a savory, elegant treat perfect for any occasion. The rich blue cheese, paired with the crunch of walnuts and the earthy thyme, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, these twirls are great for parties, brunches, or as an appetizer for a holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry (square-shaped)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 100 grams blue cheese, crumbled
- 100 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 50 grams walnuts, chopped
- 6–8 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a non-fan forced oven, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F). - Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Lay out the puff pastry sheets on a flat surface. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey evenly over each sheet. - Add the Toppings:
Evenly sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped walnuts over both pastry sheets. Scatter the fresh thyme leaves on top, then season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. - Roll and Slice:
Roll each sheet of puff pastry tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll in half lengthwise to expose the layers of filling. Gently tuck in the pastry ends to hold the filling in place. - Twist and Shape:
Twist each length of pastry carefully and shape them into round coil shapes on a sheet of baking paper. - Brush and Bake:
Brush the pastry coils with milk to give them a golden finish. Transfer the twirls to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pastry twirls from the oven, garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- These twirls are best served warm for the full impact of the flaky texture and savory filling.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of blue cheese and Parmesan to suit your taste. You can also use a milder cheese if blue cheese is too strong for you.
- If you prefer more crunch, add more chopped walnuts or substitute with pecans.
- The honey adds a sweet contrast to the savory filling, but you can skip it for a more savory flavor.
- These twirls are perfect for holiday gatherings, as a snack, or as an appetizer for a larger meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European (French, Mediterranean)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twirl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg