Breads & Doughs

Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

4.86 from 7 votes
If you're looking for the perfect appetizer, try my easy Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists recipe! Just twist and bake!
Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists lined up in a row.

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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. 

Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists being twisted.

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

A close up of un-baked Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

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.

Baked Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists

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.

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Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists Recipe

4.86 from 7 votes
If you're looking for the perfect appetizer, try my easy Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists recipe! Just twist and bake!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 18 twists
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
If you're looking for the perfect appetizer, try my easy Ham and Cheese Pastry Twists recipe! Just twist and bake!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 18 twists

Ingredients

  • 1 9-inch (23 cm) square sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 9 oz/255 g)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¾ cup (2 ¼ oz/64 g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • ½ cup (2 oz/57 g) cooked ham, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (like sage, thyme or rosemary, optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), fan assist, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • On a floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a 10x13-inch (25 ½ x 33 cm) rectangle.
  • ​​Brush the surface of the pastry with the beaten egg.
  • Sprinkle the puff pastry with the cheese, ham, and herbs (if using) and gently press or roll into the pastry to help the ingredients to adhere to the pastry.
  • Working from the 13-inch (33 cm) side, cut the pastry into 18 equal strips (about ¾-inch/2 cm wide).
  • Twist each strip of dough and carefully place it on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
  • Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
  • 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
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George Haddad
1 year ago

Very good side dish to seafood. We had shrimps, squids, and baked fish for New Years eve. I used Irish cheddar, for the herbs, dried thyme and basil. Thank you!

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Lia Middelhoven
1 year ago

I made these for our Christmas get together. They were everyone’s favorite!! Thanks for all your fantastic recipes. You are the best.

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Pamela Smith
Pamela Smith
1 year ago

I’ve found my Christmas appetizer!

oliver
oliver
2 years ago

very good very nice

About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

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