Irresistible Prosciutto & Cheese Puff Pastry Twists: Your Go-To Easy Party Appetizer
Prepare to delight your guests with these incredibly simple yet utterly sophisticated Prosciutto & Cheese Puff Pastry Twists. Flaky, savory, and bursting with flavor, these delightful appetizers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that require minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply craving a gourmet snack, these twists are perfect for any occasion. Plus, with easy modifications, they can be made vegetarian to suit all dietary preferences.
Table of Contents
Toggle
About These Prosciutto & Cheese Puff Pastry Twists
Imagine a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite: the crisp, golden flakiness of buttery puff pastry, perfectly complemented by the savory saltiness of prosciutto, the nutty depth of Gruyere, the sharp zest of Parmesan, and the aromatic freshness of rosemary and thyme. That’s exactly what you get with these Prosciutto & Cheese Puff Pastry Twists – an appetizer that’s both incredibly impressive and surprisingly easy to make.
These twists aren’t just snacks; they’re conversation starters. They boast an elegant appearance that suggests hours in the kitchen, yet the reality is they come together with minimal fuss thanks to the magic of store-bought puff pastry. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists. This recipe is all about simple layering, a quick twist, and a brief bake, transforming a few humble components into a truly spectacular treat.
Perfect for any gathering, from sophisticated cocktail parties to casual family game nights, these savory bites disappear astonishingly fast. You might find yourself wanting to make a double batch – seriously! They are the ultimate grab-and-go party food, making them ideal for holiday celebrations, impromptu get-togethers, or even as a sophisticated afternoon snack. The best part? You can prepare them ahead of time and simply pop them into the oven right before your guests arrive, ensuring fresh, warm, and utterly delicious appetizers.
Move over, plain breadsticks! These cheesy, herby, prosciutto-wrapped delights offer a superior flavor and texture experience that will elevate your appetizer spread to new heights. They’re not just better; they’re an entirely different league of deliciousness!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Twists
The beauty of these prosciutto cheese twists lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Puff Pastry: The foundation of our flaky delights! We recommend using one sheet of store-bought frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions. This convenience is what makes the recipe so quick. While homemade puff pastry is an option for the ambitious, the store-bought variety delivers fantastic results without the fuss, offering that essential light, airy, and buttery texture.
- Cheeses: A dynamic duo of Gruyere and Parmesan forms the cheesy heart of these twists. Gruyere offers a wonderfully nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty, and piquant kick. The combination creates a complex and satisfying cheesy profile. For best results, always use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and evenly, affecting the final texture of your twists.
- Herbs: Freshly chopped rosemary leaves and thyme leaves infuse these twists with a fragrant, herbaceous aroma and taste. Rosemary provides a piney, earthy note, while thyme offers a delicate, slightly minty freshness. These classic herbs are a perfect match for the savory cheeses and prosciutto.
- Prosciutto: This delicate, thinly sliced Italian cured ham is the star savory element, offering a beautifully delicate, slightly salty, and tender texture that crisps up wonderfully when baked. Its nuanced flavor complements the cheeses and herbs without overpowering them. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the prosciutto – the twists will still be incredibly flavorful!
- Egg Wash: A simple mixture of one egg whisked with one teaspoon of water. This is brushed over the pastry before baking to give it that irresistible golden-brown color and a beautiful sheen. It also helps the flaky sea salt adhere to the twists.
- Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top provides a crucial textural contrast and a delightful burst of briny flavor. The larger crystals dissolve slower, giving a pleasant crunch. Coarse sea salt or kosher salt can also be used if flaky sea salt isn’t available.
Essential Tools for Effortless Baking
Having the right tools can make your baking experience even smoother and more enjoyable. While nothing here is overly specialized, these items will help you achieve perfect prosciutto cheese twists every time:
- Marble Rolling Pin: A marble rolling pin is a fantastic asset for working with puff pastry. Its inherent weight allows you to roll out the dough with less effort, and critically, its cool temperature helps to keep the butter in the puff pastry from melting. This is vital for maintaining the pastry’s flaky layers.
- Microplane Grater: For grating the Gruyere and Parmesan, a microplane grater is highly recommended. It produces a very fine grate, which melts more evenly and integrates better into the pastry, ensuring a smooth, cheesy filling. While a standard box grater works, a microplane offers superior results.
- Cutting Tool: To achieve clean, even strips of pastry, you’ll need a sharp cutting tool. Options include a sharp chef’s knife for precise cuts, a pastry cutter for efficiency, a pizza cutter for quick slicing, or even a pasta cutter for perfectly uniform widths. Choose whichever you feel most comfortable and confident using.
- Half Sheet Baking Pan: A sturdy half sheet baking pan is essential for baking. Lining it with either a silicone mat or parchment paper will prevent sticking and make for incredibly easy cleanup. This also ensures even baking and a beautifully golden-brown bottom crust.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making These Cheese Twists
Creating these delightful prosciutto and cheese twists is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for perfect, flaky appetizers every time:
Prepare and Roll the Pastry
- Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set it aside. This step ensures quick transfer once the twists are assembled.
- On a clean, lightly floured work surface, carefully unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. The flour helps prevent sticking.
- Using your rolling pin, gently roll the puff pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 12-inches by 14-inches. Be gentle to maintain the pastry’s delicate layers. Rotate the pastry so that the shorter 12-inch side is facing you.
Fill, Cut, and Twist
- Evenly sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the entire surface of the pastry. Follow this with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese, then scatter the finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme. Ensure the toppings are well distributed.
- Carefully fold the pastry dough over towards you, so it’s folded in half, effectively sandwiching the cheese and herbs.
- With your rolling pin, gently press down on the folded pastry. This helps to lightly embed the cheese and herbs into the dough, securing them in place without compressing the pastry too much.
- Using a sharp chef’s knife, pastry cutter, or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry sheet into 12 even strips. Aim for consistent width for uniform baking.
- Now for the fun part: take one pastry strip, holding each end. Gently twist the strip in opposite directions several times. This creates the signature twisted shape and helps to beautifully enclose the cheese and herb filling.
- Take a thin piece of prosciutto and carefully wrap it around each twisted pastry strip. Depending on the size of your prosciutto slices, you might need one or two pieces per twist to cover it nicely. The prosciutto will crisp up during baking, adding an incredible flavor and texture.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the twisted pastries on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1-inch apart to allow for even airflow and expansion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and one teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to lightly and evenly coat the tops of all the twists. This wash will give them a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Generously sprinkle the egg-washed twists with flaky sea salt. This adds a lovely crunch and enhances the overall savory flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed, golden brown, and delightfully crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time as ovens can vary.
- Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra fresh rosemary or thyme for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
More tasty appetizer recipes to enjoy: Crispy Prosciutto | Marinated Mozzarella Balls | Baked Camembert | Greek Hummus
Can I Make These Twists Without Prosciutto?
Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian option or simply don’t have prosciutto on hand, you can easily omit it. These cheese twists are still incredibly flavorful and delicious thanks to the rich combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, along with the fragrant fresh herbs. The buttery, flaky puff pastry provides a wonderful base that stands perfectly well on its own. For an added layer of savory goodness in a vegetarian version, you could consider spreading a thin layer of sun-dried tomato paste or olive tapenade on the pastry before adding the cheese and herbs. This would introduce another dimension of flavor that is equally delightful.
Choosing the Right Cheese: Beyond Gruyere
While Gruyere cheese offers a unique nutty and complex flavor profile that we absolutely adore in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses if Gruyere is unavailable or not to your taste. The key is to select cheeses that melt well and complement the other flavors. Excellent substitutes include:
- Fontina: Known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor when melted.
- Havarti: A semi-soft cheese with a buttery aroma and a slightly acidic, mild taste that melts beautifully.
- Mozzarella (low-moisture, part-skim): Offers a classic mild, milky flavor and fantastic stretchiness when melted.
- Mild Cheddar: If you use cheddar, opt for a mild variety to ensure it doesn’t overpower the delicate herb flavors. Its sharpness can be a pleasant addition.
Regardless of your cheese choice, the most important tip remains: always freshly grate your cheese! Pre-grated cheeses are often coated with cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a less desirable, grainy texture. Freshly grated cheese will melt into a luscious, gooey layer, contributing to the perfect texture of your puff pastry twists.
Serving Temperature: Hot or Room Temp?
One of the many charms of these puff pastry cheese twists is their versatility when it comes to serving temperature. While they are undeniably exquisite served fresh out of the oven – piping hot with the cheese still wonderfully gooey and the pastry at its crispest – they also hold up beautifully at room temperature. You can comfortably leave them out for a couple of hours without compromising their deliciousness. This makes them an ideal party appetizer, as you don’t have to stress about serving them immediately. Many find that the flavors deepen slightly as they cool, offering a different but equally enjoyable experience. So whether you enjoy them warm and bubbly or cool and settled, these twists are always a hit.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: What to Use?
Fresh herbs, particularly rosemary and thyme, bring a vibrant, aromatic quality to these twists that is truly unparalleled. However, we understand that fresh herbs aren’t always readily available. If you find yourself without fresh rosemary or thyme, don’t despair!
- Dried Herbs: You can substitute dried herbs, but remember that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh ones. Use about 1/3 to 1/2 of the amount specified for fresh herbs (e.g., if the recipe calls for 2.5 tsp fresh rosemary, use about 1 tsp dried). Crush them lightly between your fingers before sprinkling to release their aroma.
- Pesto: A fantastic alternative is to spread a thin layer of your favorite pesto (basil, sun-dried tomato, or even an olive pesto) over the puff pastry before adding the grated cheese. Pesto delivers an instant burst of herbaceous, savory flavor that works wonderfully with cheese and puff pastry. This is a quick and flavorful hack!
Customize Your Twists: Flavor Variations
These prosciutto cheese twists are a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. While the original recipe is divine, feel free to experiment and customize them to your liking. Here are some ideas to change up the flavor:
- Cheese Combinations: Beyond Gruyere and Parmesan, consider blends like sharp cheddar and smoked Gouda, or a mix of provolone and fontina for a more Italian-inspired profile. A touch of crumbled feta or goat cheese could also add a tangy twist.
- Herb Medleys: Instead of or in addition to rosemary and thyme, try other fresh herbs like finely chopped chives, basil, oregano, marjoram, or even a hint of sage. An “Italian blend” of dried herbs could also be a quick solution.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra savory kick. Smoked paprika can introduce a subtle smokiness and beautiful color. For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will do the trick. A generous grind of freshly cracked black pepper is always a welcome addition.
- Savory Spreads: Before adding cheese, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard, olive tapenade, sun-dried tomato pesto, or a roasted red pepper spread. These will add moisture and a concentrated burst of flavor.
- Different Meats: While prosciutto is classic, thinly sliced ham, speck, salami, or even finely crumbled cooked bacon could be delicious alternatives. Ensure any meat used is thinly sliced or finely chopped to integrate well into the twist.
- Sweet & Savory Drizzle: After baking, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or hot honey can add a sophisticated sweet and savory counterpoint.
Need some inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizers recipe page!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Prosciutto Cheese Twists
These prosciutto cheese twists are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. While they are flavorful enough to stand alone, here are some ideas for what to serve alongside them:
- As a Standalone Appetizer: They are perfect on their own for a cocktail party or as a simple afternoon snack. Their rich flavor profile means they don’t necessarily need a dipping sauce, but a side of warm marinara, honey-mustard, or even a fig jam could be a delightful accompaniment.
- Elevate Your Charcuterie Board: Add a touch of elegance and homemade goodness to your Italian charcuterie board. The flaky texture and savory flavors complement cured meats, artisanal cheeses, olives, and fruits beautifully. They fit seamlessly into a wide variety of cheese board ideas or any spread of Italian appetizers.
- Soup’s Best Friend: For a more substantial pairing, serve these twists with a bowl of your favorite soup. Their crispiness provides a wonderful contrast to creamy tomato soup, a hearty minestrone, or a rich French onion soup.
- Alongside Salads: They make a fantastic, savory crunch alongside a fresh, crisp salad. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette or a more robust Caprese salad.
- Brunch or Breakfast: While typically a dinner appetizer, these savory twists can also be a delightful addition to a brunch spread, perhaps alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and mimosas.
- Beverage Pairings: For adult gatherings, these twists pair wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They also complement light-bodied red wines, craft beers, or even a classic Aperol Spritz.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
To ensure you can enjoy these delicious prosciutto cheese twists for longer, here are the best ways to store, reheat, and even freeze them:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow any baked twists to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheating for Best Texture: To bring back their crispiness, reheating in the oven is highly recommended. Place the chilled twists on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make them soft and chewy rather than flaky.
- Freezing (Unbaked Only): We do not recommend freezing these cheese twists after they have been baked, as the puff pastry can lose its delicate, flaky texture upon thawing and reheating. However, you can absolutely prepare and freeze them *before* baking for a convenient make-ahead option!
- To Freeze Unbaked Twists: Prepare the twists up to the point of brushing with egg wash and sprinkling with salt. Place the unbaked, prepared twists in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for a few hours, or until the twists are completely solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen solid, transfer the twists to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thawing and Baking Frozen Twists: When you’re ready to bake them, simply transfer the frozen, unbaked twists to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, proceed with brushing with egg wash, sprinkling with salt, and baking as instructed in the recipe. This method allows you to have fresh, warm appetizers ready in minutes!
More Effortless Appetizer Recipes to Explore
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these Prosciutto & Cheese Puff Pastry Twists, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more easy appetizer recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Ready in just 20 minutes, these crispy air fryer ravioli are ideal for dipping in warm marinara sauce. They’re a fun and quick twist on a classic.
- Whipped ricotta is a versatile and incredibly simple dip that you can customize with your favorite sweet or savory flavors. Top it with nuts, honey, jam, or fresh herbs for an impressive yet effortless spread. Plus, it can be made ahead of time!
- Stuffed bacon wrapped dates offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory, making them the perfect sophisticated bite for any holiday party or special gathering.
Finally, if you make this prosciutto cheese twists recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I love hearing about your culinary creations. I make an effort to respond to every single comment and answer any questions you might have.
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes truly means the world to me and is one of my favorite things to see.
Want to be the first to know when a new recipe or the latest news drops? Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a delicious update!
Prosciutto Cheese Twists
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
12
twists
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed
- 6 oz gruyere cheese freshly grated
- 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto torn into strips
- 1 egg plus 1 tsp water for egg wash
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
-
On a clean, lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Lightly roll into a 12-inch x 14-inch rectangle, with the shorter end closest to you.
-
Sprinkle gruyere on top in an even layer, followed by parmesan cheese, rosemary, and thyme.
-
Fold the sheet in half towards you.
-
Use a rolling pin to gently press the cheese and herbs into the pastry.
-
Cut the pastry into 12 even stripes using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
-
Grab either end of one stripe. Gently twist several times in opposite directions to enclose the cheese and herb mixture. Wrap a piece of prosciutto around each twisted strip (you may need a couple of pieces per twist). Repeat this process with the remaining stripes.
-
Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-inch apart.
-
Whisk together egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the twists evenly with the egg wash. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
-
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
-
Remove from oven. For garnish, sprinkle with more fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
219
kcal
Italian
Appetizer