Blue Cheese Walnut Pastry Twirl

This puff pastry twirl brings together a symphony of flavors with tangy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic thyme all wrapped in flaky, golden pastry. Its elegant appearance belies how simple it is to prepare, making it perfect for everything from casual gatherings to special occasions.

I first made these twirls for a holiday gathering when I needed something elegant but wasn't up for complicated baking. The combination of blue cheese and honey had everyone asking for the recipe, and it's now my go-to impressive appetizer when time is short.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets of puff pastry square shaped: Provides the flaky, buttery base look for all-butter varieties for best flavor
• 2 tablespoons of honey: Creates a perfect sweet contrast to the tangy cheese
• 100 grams of blue cheese crumbled: Choose a creamy variety like Gorgonzola dolce for milder flavor or Roquefort for more intensity
• 100 grams of Parmesan cheese grated: Adds a salty depth that complements the blue cheese
• 50 grams of walnuts chopped: The slight bitterness and crunch balance the rich cheese
• 6–8 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves: Fresh herbs are essential here dried simply won't provide the same aromatic quality
• 1 tablespoon of milk: Creates the golden crust when baked
• Sea salt and cracked pepper: Use flaky sea salt if possible for better texture and flavor

How To Make Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 180C (350F) or 200C (390F) for non-fan forced ovens. Proper preheating ensures the pastry puffs properly and achieves that gorgeous golden color. Allow at least 15 minutes for your oven to reach the correct temperature.

Prepare The Pastry Base:

Lay out your puff pastry sheets on a clean, lightly floured surface. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over each sheet, spreading it in a thin, even layer leaving about a 1cm border around the edges. The honey adds sweetness and helps the fillings adhere to the pastry.

Layer The Fillings:

Distribute the chopped walnuts evenly across both pastry sheets, pressing them lightly into the honey. Follow with the crumbled blue cheese, ensuring small pieces are scattered throughout. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, then finish with fresh thyme leaves stripped from their stems. Season with a light dusting of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Roll And Cut The Pastry:

Starting from one edge, tightly roll each pastry sheet into a log shape, applying gentle pressure to keep the filling in place. Use a sharp knife to cut each roll lengthwise down the middle, exposing the beautiful layers of filling. Work carefully to avoid losing the filling.

Create The Twirl Shape:

Transfer each cut pastry length to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Twist each piece by rotating the ends in opposite directions to create a spiral effect. Form each twisted length into a coil shape, tucking the end underneath to secure it. The spiral creates more surface area for crispy edges.

Finish And Bake:

Lightly brush the entire surface of each pastry coil with milk to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching carefully during the final minutes. The pastries should be deeply golden, visibly puffed, and crisp to the touch. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Garnish And Serve:

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving plate. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme leaves for color and aroma. Serve while still warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

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The fresh thyme is truly what elevates this recipe from good to memorable. I discovered this when I once substituted dried thyme and noticed the difference immediately. Now I keep a small pot of thyme growing in my kitchen window specifically for recipes like this one. The moment the aroma of thyme and melting cheese fills my kitchen, my family knows something special is coming.

Make-Ahead Options

These puff pastry twirls can be assembled completely up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare the twirls up to the point of baking, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, brush with milk and bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled pastry. The unbaked twirls can also be frozen for up to a month. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.

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Perfect Pairings

These savory twirls pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pastry. For a more substantial meal, add a bowl of roasted tomato soup. Wine lovers will appreciate how these pastries complement both red and white wines. Try a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the flavors without overwhelming them. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Cheese Variations

While blue cheese provides a distinctive tangy flavor, this recipe works beautifully with other cheese combinations. For those who find blue cheese too strong, substitute with crumbled goat cheese mixed with a touch of cream cheese for a milder but still tangy alternative. Gruyère or aged cheddar provide excellent depth of flavor while being more familiar to sensitive palates. For a Mediterranean twist, try a combination of feta cheese with chopped olives and a sprinkle of oregano instead of thyme. The technique remains the same, but the flavor profile can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with goat cheese, feta, or any creamy cheese you prefer for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I prevent the filling from spilling out?

After rolling and cutting the pastry, tuck in any loose edges and press firmly to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the twirls, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

→ Can I make these pastry twirls vegan?

Absolutely! Use a vegan puff pastry, vegan blue cheese, and replace milk with a plant-based alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed.

→ What can I pair with these savory twirls?

These make a great match with a light salad, a fresh dip, or a glass of wine for an appetizing treat.