Savory Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Yields: Approx. 10–12 twists
Ingredients
-
1 sheet Puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)
-
1 cup Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
-
1/2 cup Cooked ham, finely diced
-
2 tbsp Fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
1 Egg (for egg wash)
-
Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or garlic butter for the base layer
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry
-
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
-
Optional: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or garlic butter across the entire surface of the dough for extra flavor.
2. Add the Fillings
-
Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley evenly over the dough.
-
Layer the diced ham over the parsley.
-
Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese, ensuring it covers the ham and parsley.
3. Roll and Cut
-
Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry sheet tightly into a log (as shown in the top half of your image).
-
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into strips about 2 cm (approx. 1 inch) wide.
4. Twist and Bake
-
Take each strip and gently twist it 2–3 times to create a spiral effect.
-
Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
-
Brush the tops of the twists with a beaten egg (egg wash) to ensure they turn golden brown.
-
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
Tips for Success
-
Keep it Cold: If the puff pastry becomes too soft or sticky while you are twisting it, pop the tray in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. This helps the layers stay flaky.
-
Filling Size: Make sure the ham is diced very finely. If the chunks are too large, the pastry will be harder to twist and the filling might fall out.
-
Variations: You can easily swap the ham for cooked bacon bits or pepperoni for a different flavor profile.