Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is a savory, elegant appetizer that is perfect for entertaining or just a delicious snack. The rich flavor of blue cheese combined with the crunch of walnuts and the aromatic thyme is a winning combination, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases or folds.
- Fill the Pastry:
- Evenly spread the crumbled blue cheese across the surface of the puff pastry.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and fresh thyme over the blue cheese.
- If you like a little sweetness to balance the richness of the blue cheese, drizzle honey over the filling.
- Roll and Cut:
- Carefully roll the puff pastry into a log or cylinder shape, starting from one edge. You want to roll it tightly to ensure the filling stays inside.
- Once rolled, slice the log into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Arrange the Twirls:
- Place the individual slices (cut side up) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them in a spiral pattern or as individual spirals close together, like a pull-apart bread.
- If you prefer, you can brush the top of the pastry with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) for a golden finish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best flaky texture and flavor.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pastry rolls and freeze them before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Flavor Variations: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or feta for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: You can add other ingredients such as caramelized onions or roasted garlic for even more flavor.
This Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl will be the star of your next gathering, offering a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and herbaceous flavors with that irresistible flaky texture! 🧀🌿
