Growing up, the aroma of buttery puff pastry and savory herbs always brought my family together. I can still vividly remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make her famous “Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl.” As she carefully unrolled the flaky dough and sprinkled the crumbled blue cheese, the scent of thyme and toasted walnuts would fill the kitchen, instantly transporting us to our happy place. This recipe has become a cherished tradition, one that I now love sharing with my own friends and loved ones. There’s just something so comforting and delicious about those tender, flavor-packed bites – I guarantee this Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl will become a new go-to in your household too!
Table of Contents
Why This Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
This Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is truly a showstopper. Not only is it bursting with incredible flavors, but the unique pull-apart presentation makes it such a fun and interactive dish. The key is in the layering – by carefully stacking the puff pastry with the creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant thyme, you end up with these absolutely irresistible pockets of goodness that just beg to be pulled apart and devoured. And the best part? This recipe makes a full 12 servings, so there’s plenty to share (or hoard for yourself!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl, you’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
Step-by-Step Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Instructions
Preparing Your Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
This recipe takes 28 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 18 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a rolling pin, a sharp knife, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12×16 inches in size.
2- Sprinkle the 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and the 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves.
3- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the puff pastry into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
4- Using a sharp knife, cut the log crosswise into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the pieces cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5- Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
6- Bake for 18 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Serve the Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl warm, with any extra thyme leaves sprinkled on top.
Pro Tips for Success
For best results, make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed before working with it. This will help prevent cracking or tearing during the rolling and shaping process. Also, be gentle when cutting and arranging the rolls – you want to maintain those beautiful, distinct layers. And keep an eye on them in the oven, as puff pastry can go from perfectly golden to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Serving and Storing Your Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
Perfect Pairings for Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
This Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a simple tomato soup for a light and satisfying meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of full-bodied red wine or a refreshing white. And of course, it’s always a hit at holiday gatherings, game days, or any other festive occasion. Just keep in mind that this recipe makes 12 servings, with each serving being 1 piece.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also prepare the rolls ahead of time and keep them unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled dough.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
Creative Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Variations
While the classic combination of blue cheese, walnuts, and thyme is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try swapping in different types of cheese, like gorgonzola or feta. Experiment with various nuts, such as pecans or almonds. You could even add a touch of honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness. And for a seasonal twist, consider incorporating dried cranberries, rosemary, or butternut squash.
Making Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl Diet-Friendly
To make this Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl more dietary-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free puff pastry. If you’re avoiding dairy, opt for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the blue cheese altogether and focus on the walnuts and thyme. And for a low-carb spin, you can use a keto-friendly puff pastry or wrap the filling in lettuce leaves instead of dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides blue cheese?
A: Absolutely! While the blue cheese provides a lovely tangy contrast, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Gorgonzola, feta, or even a sharp cheddar would also work well in this recipe.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 piece of the Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled dough.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
A: If you don’t have access to fresh thyme, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried thyme instead. The flavor profile will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious.
Q: How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
A: The Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is ready when the pastry is golden brown and flaky, which should take about 18 minutes in the oven.
Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
- Total Time: 28
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl – a restaurant-quality appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant thyme creates a mouthwatering and visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tbsp water
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. 2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and place it on a lightly floured surface.
3. 3. Evenly spread the blue cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. 4. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and thyme leaves over the blue cheese.
5. 5. Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry to form a log.
6. 6. Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl to create an egg wash.
7. 7. Brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the puff pastry log.
8. 8. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
9. 9. Arrange the slices, cut-side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. 10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
11. 11. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality blue cheese and fresh thyme. You can also experiment with different nut varieties, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to vary the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is an absolute showstopper of a recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its irresistible flavors and fun, interactive presentation, it’s the perfect dish to share at any gathering. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy 12 absolutely mouthwatering servings of this incredible pull-apart treat. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear all about your experience with this new go-to recipe!
