Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

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Hi Bold Bakers!

IN THIS RECIPE: Take some simple pastry, add ham, cheese, and herbs, and then TWIST! My Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists are the easiest appetizer you could ask for.

Fancy, classy, sophisticated — but enough about me, let’s talk about these amazing ham and cheese pastry twists. 

These twists are perfect for a simple, savory snack at home, tossed in a lunch box, or served on an appetizer spread platter at a cocktail party. These flaky ham and cheese twists are great to munch on and they look fancier than they are to make.

My trick of the trade? I even use pre-made, frozen puff pastry for these guys. Of course, you can always make your own, but if you want a quick snack or just want something easy, why not? It will be just as delicious, just with way less time spent. 

What Are Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

These easy-to-make appetizers are simply ham and cheese wrapped up in a puff pastry. When it bakes, you get an incredible, flaky pastry with gooey cheese and satisfying salty ham. I could eat a whole batch of these for dinner and be happy. 

What You Need to Make Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

How to Make Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

Wow your guests with this recipe that takes as little work as it does to pour a glass of wine. Here’s how you make the twists (and get the full recipe with measurements down below):

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. On a floured surface, roll out your puff pastry into a rectangle that is roughly 10×13-inch (25½x33cm).
3. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg.
4. Sprinkle the pastry with cheese, ham, and herbs (if you’re using them.) Then, gently press or roll the toppings into the pastry. This helps them stick to the pastry.
5. Working from the longer side, cut the pastry into 18 strips (about ¾-inch/2 cm.)
6. Twist each strip of the dough and carefully place it on your prepped baking sheet. 
7. Bake for about 15 minutes until the twists are golden brown and puffed. 
8. Allow the twists to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

• I buy pre-made, frozen puff pastry. If you can’t find this, you can try making these straws with homemade rough puff pastry. There are fewer layers but it will still be flaky and delicious!
• You can make these vegetarian by simply leaving out the ham.
• Instead of cheddar, you can use an equal amount of parmesan, gruyere or a mix of both.
• These are excellent served with a honey mustard sauce for dipping.
• Make sweet straws by leaving out the ham and cheddar and sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the pastry before cutting and shaping the straws.
• Make-ahead tip: you can assemble the straws, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or up to overnight before baking.
• If you don’t have a convection oven, bake these twists at 400 ℉ (200 ℃) and rotate the pans halfway through.

How Do I Store Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists? 

These are best the day they are made.

If you do have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container. You can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes.

Make More Bread!

• Sourdough Starter Guide
• Perfectly Crusty Sourdough Loaf For Beginners
• No-Knead Whole Wheat Bread
• White Sandwich Bread
• Hearty No-Yeast Bread

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!

Want the deep-dive on bread? Subscribe to the Bold Baking Academy — we have courses on bread!

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