When you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness, these Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Twists are the perfect choice. Whether you’re hosting a party, need an appetizer, or simply want a quick meal, these twists are incredibly simple to make and offer a delightful combination of flavors. The crispy, flaky puff pastry is stuffed with melted cheese, smoky ham, aromatic garlic, and a touch of fresh herbs. The result is a golden, crispy treat that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
The combination of the savory filling, the delicate flakiness of the pastry, and the golden finish makes these twists irresistible. Plus, they can be customized with different types of cheese or fillings, making them perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
To make these delicious Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Twists, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Puff Pastry: 400 g (14 oz)
- Ham: 150 g (5 oz), finely chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Cheese: 150 g (5 oz), grated (cheddar or mozzarella works best)
- Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing)
- Parsley: 15 g (1 tbsp), chopped
- Dill: 25 g (2 tbsp), chopped
- Butter: 30 g (2 tbsp), melted
- Vegetable Oil: For greasing the baking sheet
- Chili Sauce: 5 g (1 tsp), optional for heat
- Sour Cream: 5 tbsp, for dipping
- Salt: Optional, to taste
- Garlic Head: 1, roasted
Directions
Making these Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Twists is easy, and in just 45 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing them:
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mix:
To give these twists an extra layer of flavor, you’ll start by preparing a garlic butter mix.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl.
- Add minced garlic, parsley, and dill to the melted butter and mix well. This blend of herbs and garlic will infuse the pastry with aromatic flavors.
- If you like a bit of heat, stir in the chili sauce for an extra kick. This is optional, but it adds a wonderful spicy touch that pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Puff pastry is the star of this recipe, and the flakier and more delicate it is, the better the twists will be.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F) to ensure that it’s hot enough to bake the pastry perfectly.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet. You want to stretch it just enough to make it a bit larger but be careful not to make it too thin.
- Once rolled out, brush half of the garlic butter mixture evenly across the surface of the pastry. This will add flavor to every bite.
3. Add the Filling:
Now, it’s time to layer in the delicious fillings that make these twists irresistible.
- Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese and chopped ham over the puff pastry. Be generous with the cheese, as it melts and adds richness to the twists.
- You can mix and match cheeses based on your preference. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella will give you that perfect gooey cheese pull, but feel free to experiment with different varieties such as Gouda, Parmesan, or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
- Fold the pastry in half, gently pressing it down to seal it. The filling should now be locked inside the pastry, creating a beautiful pocket of cheesy ham goodness.
4. Cut and Twist:
Now comes the fun part – shaping the twists!
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled pastry into 1-inch wide strips. The strips don’t have to be perfect – a little unevenness will give them a rustic charm.
- Take each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Make sure to twist gently but firmly to maintain the shape during baking.
- Place the twisted strips on a greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
5. Bake the Pastry Twists:
Now, it’s time to get these twists into the oven and cook them until golden and crispy.
- Brush each twist with the beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden finish once baked. The egg wash will also help the twists crisp up nicely.
- Place the twists in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside will have melted perfectly, and the ham will add a savory touch to each bite.
6. Prepare the Sour Cream Dip:
While the twists are baking, it’s time to prepare a creamy dip to accompany them. A roasted garlic sour cream dip pairs wonderfully with these savory twists.
- Roast the garlic head until soft. You can do this by placing the garlic in a foil packet and baking it in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and caramelized.
- Once roasted, mash the garlic and mix it with sour cream and a pinch of salt. This dip is smooth, creamy, and infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic.
7. Serve:
Once the twists are out of the oven, brush them with the remaining garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the twists warm with the roasted garlic sour cream dip on the side. The creamy dip complements the crispy, cheesy twists perfectly and adds a rich layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Twists are versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:
- Party Appetizer: Serve them as part of a party platter with extra dipping sauces like marinara, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for variety.
- Light Meal: Pair the twists with a fresh side salad for a light and satisfying meal. The contrast between the crispy pastry and the fresh salad is a perfect balance.
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes on top of the twists for an extra burst of flavor.
- Brunch Option: Serve these twists with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a smoothie for a delicious brunch.
Cooking Tips
While making these Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Twists is easy, here are a few helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Chilled Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is chilled before baking. Cold puff pastry ensures that it puffs up beautifully and becomes light and flaky when baked.
- Crispier Texture: If you prefer a crispier texture, bake the twists for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Cheese Choice: For a gooey cheese pull, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. If you prefer a more robust flavor, add some Gruyère or Swiss cheese to the mix.
- Custom Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can add cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, or even a little caramelized onion for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor: The combination of puff pastry, cheese, and ham creates a bite-sized treat that’s full of flavor and texture.
- Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients: This recipe requires minimal preparation and only a few simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
- Perfect for snacks, gatherings, or lunchbox treats: These twists are easy to make in large batches and are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or even as a lunchbox snack.
- Pairs well with multiple dips and sauces: The twists are versatile and can be served with a variety of dips, from savory to spicy to creamy.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Twists are an irresistible combination of crispy, flaky pastry and a rich, cheesy filling. The combination of smoky ham, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic creates a satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a light lunch, or a quick snack, these twists are sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite of these delicious twists. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this is a snack you’ll want to make over and over again. Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness today! 🧀🥐
