Blue Cheese Walnut Pastry Twirls

This elegant Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirl combines savory blue cheese with crunchy walnuts and aromatic thyme, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry for a sophisticated appetizer or light meal that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I first created these twirls for an impromptu wine night with friends, and they disappeared faster than any other dish I've ever served. The combination of sharp blue cheese with sweet honey creates a flavor contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheets: The store-bought variety works perfectly here and saves time without sacrificing quality
• Honey: Adds a surprising sweet contrast to the savory blue cheese; select a good quality honey for best results
• Blue cheese: Crumbled, provides that distinctive tangy punch; choose a variety you enjoy eating on its own
• Parmesan cheese: Grated, creates a nutty depth and helps bind everything together; use freshly grated for best melting
• Walnuts: Chopped, adds essential crunch and earthy flavor; toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced taste
• Fresh thyme leaves: Brings aromatic herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish; fresh is significantly better than dried here
• Milk: For brushing ensures a beautiful golden crust while baking; whole milk works best
• Sea salt and cracked pepper: The finishing touch that balances all flavors; use flaky sea salt if available

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 180C (350F) or 200C (390F) for conventional ovens. Proper preheating ensures the pastry puffs up beautifully and cooks evenly throughout. Allow at least 10 minutes for the oven to reach temperature fully before baking.

Prepare The Pastry Base:

Lay out your puff pastry sheets on a clean work surface. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over each sheet, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon but leaving a small border around the edges. The honey acts as both flavor and glue for the toppings.

Add The Flavor Components:

Evenly distribute the blue cheese crumbles, Parmesan, chopped walnuts, and thyme leaves across both pastry sheets. Press them gently into the honey to help them adhere. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, being mindful of the saltiness already present in the cheeses.

Roll And Slice The Pastry:

Starting from one edge, tightly roll each pastry sheet into a log shape, applying gentle pressure to keep the filling from spilling out. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut each log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the beautiful layers inside. Work carefully to maintain the structure.

Create The Signature Twirl:

With gentle hands, twist each pastry length several times to create a rope effect, then coil it around itself to form a spiral shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tuck the outer end underneath to prevent unraveling during baking.

Finish And Bake:

Brush the entire surface of each twirl with milk to promote even browning. Place in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. The pastries should rise significantly and turn a deep golden brown with visible layers.

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Blue cheese is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered its magic when visiting a small cheese shop in France where the owner insisted I try their local blue paired with honey. That unexpected combination changed how I approach cheese in cooking, leading to creations like this twirl that balance sharp flavors with subtle sweetness.

Make Ahead Options

These pastry twirls can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare them through the twisting and shaping step, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with milk and add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting cold. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

Cheese Selection Guide

While any blue cheese works in this recipe, different varieties create distinctly different experiences. Gorgonzola Dolce produces a creamy, milder result, while Roquefort delivers a sharper, more pronounced flavor. For first-timers, I recommend Cambozola, which offers blue cheese character without overwhelming intensity. The Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these twirls warm from the oven for the best texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, creating a light but satisfying meal. For entertaining, cut each twirl into quarters before serving as finger food alongside a glass of Riesling or light-bodied red wine. During cooler months, these pastries complement a bowl of tomato soup perfectly.

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These Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls are guaranteed to impress at any occasion with their unique flavors and visually stunning presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these pastry twirls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the twirls up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush with milk and bake. Alternatively, you can fully bake them, cool completely, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

→ What can I substitute for blue cheese if I don't like it?

If blue cheese isn't to your taste, try goat cheese, feta, or even a mild brie. Each will provide a different flavor profile but work beautifully with the walnuts and thyme. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well.

→ How do I store leftover pastry twirls?

Store completely cooled twirls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their flaky texture, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than using a microwave.

→ Can I freeze these twirls?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked twirls, place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time. For baked twirls, freeze cooled pastries and reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

→ What can I serve with these blue cheese walnut twirls?

These savory twirls pair beautifully with a simple green salad, tomato soup, or as part of a cheese board. For entertaining, serve them alongside a honey drizzle, fig jam, or balsamic glaze for dipping. They also complement a glass of medium-bodied red wine or crisp white wine excellently.

→ Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, although fresh thyme provides the best flavor. If using dried thyme, reduce the amount to about 1-2 teaspoons as dried herbs are more concentrated. You might also consider adding the dried thyme to the honey first to help rehydrate it slightly before spreading on the pastry.