Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I’m always looking for appetizers that look elegant but take almost no effort. These Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls are one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re buttery, flaky, and filled with the rich, tangy flavor of blue cheese, balanced by toasted walnuts and a hint of thyme.
They’re a little fancy, a little rustic, and completely addictive. If you love simple yet elevated recipes, don’t miss my Fig and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms or Gorgonzola Cheesecake. Both pair beautifully with these twirls for an elegant appetizer spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & foolproof: Made with store-bought puff pastry, minimal effort, maximum payoff.
- Sophisticated flavor: Buttery pastry with tangy blue cheese, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs.
- Crowd pleaser: Elegant enough for parties, easy enough for weeknights.
- Customizable: Swap cheeses, nuts, or herbs to fit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble, chill, and bake when ready.
- Flaky & fragrant: Every twist releases buttery, cheesy aroma as it bakes.
- Pairs perfectly with wine or cocktails: The ultimate cozy party snack.
Ingredients Breakdown
Puff pastry: The buttery, flaky foundation of the twirls. Let it thaw until just pliable, too warm and it won’t puff properly.
Blue cheese: The bold heart of the recipe. Use creamy Gorgonzola for milder flavor or Roquefort for sharper bite.
Walnuts: Add crunch and warmth that balance the cheese’s richness. Toast lightly for extra depth.
Fresh thyme: Brings an earthy aroma that ties everything together. Rosemary or sage also work beautifully.
Honey (optional): A drizzle adds a sweet contrast to the tangy cheese, perfect for balance.
Egg wash: Gives the pastry that golden, bakery-style sheen.
Black pepper: Enhances the savory notes and cuts through the richness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat your oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the pastry:
Unfold thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to even out creases. - Add the filling:
Sprinkle blue cheese evenly over the pastry, then add chopped toasted walnuts and fresh thyme leaves. - Season and drizzle:
Add a pinch of black pepper and, if desired, a light drizzle of honey. - Fold and twist:
Fold the pastry sheet in half (sandwiching the filling). Slice into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently into a spiral and place on the baking sheet. - Brush and bake:
Brush each twirl lightly with egg wash. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until puffed, crisp, and golden brown. - Cool slightly and serve:
Let rest 5 minutes before serving, the filling will be molten-hot fresh from the oven.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- Cheese options: Try feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar for variety.
- Nut swap: Pecans or hazelnuts also pair beautifully.
- Add fruit: A few minced dried figs or cranberries turn these into a sweet-savory holiday hit.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked twirls on a tray, then bake straight from frozen.
- Presentation idea: Serve tied in small bundles with twine for holiday parties.
Serving Suggestions
These Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls are a dream appetizer for cozy dinners or wine nights. Pair them with:
- Cheese and Onion Cheesecake for a stunning cheese-board-style spread.
- Gorgonzola Cheesecake for a savory dessert pairing.
- Sweet Potato Fondant with Smoked Almond Cream for a luxurious dinner party side.
They also pair perfectly with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider, a true “effortless fancy” recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes until crisp again.
Freeze unbaked twirls up to 1 month, bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to bake time.
Helpful FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake, up to 12 hours in advance.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Brie, goat cheese, or even shredded Parmesan all work beautifully.
Can I use dried thyme?
Yes, use ½ teaspoon dried thyme if fresh isn’t available.
Can I make these sweet?
Yes! Try blue cheese, honey, and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a caramelized version.
Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 twirls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky puff pastry filled with creamy blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and thyme, the perfect quick, elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
3 oz blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp honey (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface.
3. Sprinkle with blue cheese, walnuts, thyme, and pepper.
4. Drizzle lightly with honey if using.
5. Fold pastry in half and slice into 1-inch strips.
6. Twist each strip into a spiral and place on baking sheet.
7. Brush with egg wash and bake 14–16 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use Gorgonzola for milder flavor or Roquefort for sharper.
Add dried cranberries or figs for sweetness.
Serve warm with honey or balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European
Conclusion
These Blue Cheese Walnut Thyme Puff Pastry Twirls are the perfect mix of elegance and ease, buttery, flaky, and full of cozy fall flavor. They look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a wine night, or just treating yourself, these twirls are the kind of recipe that makes people think you spent hours, when really, you just used smart ingredients and a warm oven.