Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl: A Gourmet Delight

As a passionate baker and cheese enthusiast, I’ve crafted this Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl to elevate your appetizer game. This exquisite dish marries the sharp tang of blue cheese with the earthy crunch of walnuts and the aromatic essence of fresh thyme, all encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. It’s a sophisticated twist on traditional pull-apart breads that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

The concept of pull-apart breads dates back centuries, with variations found in cuisines worldwide. However, this particular recipe draws inspiration from French and Italian culinary traditions, combining the convenience of modern puff pastry with classic flavor pairings. The result is a show-stopping appetizer that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Ingredients

To create this tantalizing Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl, you’ll need:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (approximately 320g or 11.3 oz total)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) of honey
• 100g (3.5 oz) blue cheese, crumbled
• 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 50g (1.75 oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven. If you’re using a gas oven, set it to 180°C (350°F). For an electric non-fan forced oven, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F). This temperature difference ensures optimal puff pastry baking regardless of your oven type.
2. Carefully unfold your puff pastry sheets onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, evenly drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over each sheet. The honey acts as a delicious adhesive for our filling and adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory elements.
3. Now, it’s time to layer our star ingredients. Evenly distribute the crumbled blue cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped walnuts between the two pastry sheets. Strip the leaves from 4-6 sprigs of thyme and scatter them over the cheese and nuts. Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors – the pungent blue cheese, nutty Parmesan, earthy walnuts, and aromatic thyme.
4. Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll each pastry sheet into a tight log. Use your fingertips to seal the edge, ensuring the filling stays snug inside. With a sharp knife, slice each log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the beautiful layers of filling. Don’t worry if some filling falls out; you can simply tuck it back in.
5. Here comes the fun part – shaping our twirls. On a large sheet of parchment paper, take one of the cut pastry lengths and carefully twist it, creating a rope-like shape. Then, coil this twisted rope into a spiral, tucking the end underneath. Repeat with the remaining pastry lengths, creating two large spirals or four smaller ones.
6. Gently transfer the parchment paper with your pastry spirals onto a baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides of the pastries with milk. This will help achieve that coveted golden-brown finish we’re after.
7. Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep a close eye on your pastries, especially towards the end of the baking time. You’re looking for a puffed-up, golden-brown exterior with visible layers. The cheese should be melted and bubbling, and you should be able to smell the aromatic thyme.
8. Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making serving easier. Just before serving, strip the leaves from the remaining thyme sprigs and scatter them over the top of your pastries for a fresh burst of flavor and a beautiful garnish.

Serving Suggestions

This Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is best served warm, when the cheese is still gooey and the pastry at its flakiest. It makes for an impressive centerpiece at cocktail parties or as a starter for a sit-down dinner. Pair it with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the rich flavors.

Nutrition Information

This recipe serves 8-10 people as an appetizer. Per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 320
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 9g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Tips and Variations

To further elevate this already impressive dish, consider these expert tips:

1. Cheese Variations: While blue cheese provides a distinctive tangy flavor, feel free to experiment with other strong cheeses. Gorgonzola or Roquefort can be excellent alternatives, each bringing its unique character to the dish.
2. Nut Substitutions: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try using pecans or hazelnuts. Each will provide a different texture and flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and thyme.
3. Honey Alternatives: For a deeper flavor, consider using maple syrup or fig jam in place of honey. These alternatives can add an extra layer of complexity to the overall taste.
4. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pastry rolls up to the point of twisting and shaping, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply shape, brush with milk, and bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
5. Serving Suggestions: For a more substantial appetizer, consider serving these twirls with a side of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the rich pastry.
6. Leftover Ideas: On the off chance you have leftovers, these pastry twirls make an excellent addition to a cheese board. Simply reheat them briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.

By following these instructions and tips, you’ll create a Blue Cheese, Walnut and Thyme Pull Apart Puff Pastry Twirl that’s sure to become the talk of your next gathering. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into a gourmet appetizer with just a bit of creativity and technique. The combination of flaky pastry, pungent cheese, crunchy nuts, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée or looking to elevate your family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.