Name: Cheese & Pesto Twists
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 sheets of pre-rolled puff pastry, defrosted; 4 tablespoons basil pesto; 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend); 1 egg, whisked (for egg wash)

Why You’ll Love Cheese & Pesto TwistsRecipe

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, using mostly store‑bought ingredients and simple assembly. The result is crispy, buttery pastry with savory pesto and cheese — great for snacks, appetizers, parties, or lunchboxes. The basic recipe is very flexible: you can switch up the fillings, cheeses, or toppings to match your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets, ready‑rolled, thawed
Basil pesto
Parmesan or your favourite hard cheese, grated
Egg, whisked

Optional toppings:

Sesame seeds
Poppy seeds
Cracked pepper
Extra Parmesan

Directions

Preheat your oven to 190 °C (Bake). Prepare an oven tray lined with baking paper (optionally sprayed to help it stick).
Ensure the puff pastry sheets are fully thawed.
Spread one sheet generously with pesto to the edges, then sprinkle over the grated cheese.
Place the second pastry sheet on top.
Use a sharp knife to cut the layered pastry into narrow strips (about 1 cm wide).
Take each strip, pinch the ends, and twist: hold each end firmly and twist in opposite directions several times to form a spiral. Pinch or fold the ends slightly to seal so the twists don’t unfold.
Place each twist spaced apart on the prepared tray. If any start to loosen, re‑twist gently.
Brush all twists with the whisked egg. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, cracked pepper, or extra Parmesan on top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the pastries are crisp and golden brown.
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm — or cool completely before storing.

Servings and timing

Yield: about 12 twists
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Experiment with different cheeses — mozzarella, cheddar, or even cream cheese for a milder flavour.
Swap the pesto for other spreads: tomato paste, spicy sauce, cranberry sauce, or savoury spreads like marmite — sweet or savoury flavours both work.
Add extra texture by sprinkling nuts or seeds before baking, or incorporate finely chopped herbs into the filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled twists in an airtight container. They can also be frozen before baking: prepare and twist them, brush with egg, then freeze on the baking tray until firm; transfer to a freezer container or bag. When ready to bake, thaw, brush with egg, and bake as directed. For reheating, pop in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of puff pastry should I use?

Use ready‑rolled puff pastry sheets, thawed completely. This is the easiest option. You can also make your own puff pastry if you prefer, but ready-made is fine for a quick snack.

Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Yes — homemade basil pesto works very well and often gives richer flavour.

What cheeses work best for this recipe?

Hard cheeses like Parmesan are ideal for a sharp, savory bite. But you can also experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even cream cheese for a different texture and taste.

Can I make these twists vegan?

Yes — substitute a vegan puff pastry and use a plant-based cheese alternative instead of Parmesan or dairy cheese. Use a vegan egg‑wash substitute (like soy milk or plant milk) before baking.

Can I add other fillings?

Absolutely. Sweet‑chilli sauce, tomato paste, cranberry sauce, or other spreads can be used. You can also add chopped herbs, nuts, or seeds for variety.

Can I freeze the twists?

Yes. It’s best to freeze them before baking, after twisting and egg‑washing. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw, apply egg wash again if needed, then bake as usual.

How should I store leftover baked twists?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. To restore crispness, reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Do the twists taste better warm or cold?

They’re delicious either way — warm from the oven gives the freshest, flakiest texture, but they also make a great cold snack, perfect for lunchboxes or parties.

Can I make smaller or larger batches easily?

Yes — you can scale the ingredients (puff pastry sheets, pesto, cheese, egg) up or down depending on how many twists you want. Just ensure proportions stay similar.

Is there a gluten‑free version of this recipe?

If you can find gluten‑free puff pastry, you can use it as a substitute. Pair with a gluten‑free pesto and dairy‑free or gluten‑free cheese if you also require dairy‑free.

Conclusion

Cheese & Pesto Twists are a wonderfully simple and versatile pastry snack — ideal for quick snacks, entertaining guests, or packing in lunchboxes. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create crisp, flavourful pastries that are easily adapted to your taste. Whether you stick with the classic pesto‑cheese filling or experiment with other flavours and fillings, these twists are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.