Golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and melty cheese—these twisty treats are irresistibly simple and perfect for brunch, snacking, or party platters.
📋 Recipe Card
👨🍳 Servings: 10–12 twists
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
🏷️ Tags: Appetizer, Brunch, 5-Ingredient, Party Food
🍽 Dietary Info: Nut-Free | Contains Egg & Dairy
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Main Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz sliced ham
4 oz shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the Base
Unroll or gently roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if using.
Layer with Filling
Evenly place ham slices over the pastry.
Sprinkle cheese on top. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Cut & Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled pastry into strips (about 1-inch wide).
Gently twist each strip a few times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Egg Wash & Bake
Beat the egg and brush over the tops of each twist.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Serve
Serve warm for best flavor and flakiness!
💡 Quick Notes
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy kick but can be skipped for picky eaters.
Cheddar gives bold flavor; Swiss is milder and more traditional.
These twists are perfect for entertaining—serve with honey mustard or ranch for dipping!
🥐 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These ham & cheese puff pastry twists are everything you want in a quick bite: flaky, cheesy, salty, and satisfying. No fancy skills required—just thaw, layer, twist, and bake. It’s your shortcut to something that looks gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
1. Roll & Spread
Roll out your pastry on a lightly floured surface. Dijon is optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor.
2. Layer It Up
Use thin ham slices for easy twisting. Don’t overload it—you want just enough cheese to melt and bind.
3. Slice & Twist
Cut evenly sized strips. Twist gently but firmly, so the fillings stay inside without tearing the pastry.
4. Egg Wash = Golden Color
A quick brush of egg gives a glossy, bakery-style finish.
🧂 Ingredient Swaps & Tips
Meat Options:
Prosciutto or cooked bacon bits for variation
For a vegetarian version, use sautéed spinach or caramelized onions
Cheese Ideas:
Gruyère, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda
Mix two cheeses for a deeper flavor combo
Mustard Alternatives:
Honey mustard or garlic aioli spread adds a flavor twist
Skip altogether if serving kids or picky eaters
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead:
Assemble the twists and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 1 day.
Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Freezing:
Freeze fully baked twists in an airtight container. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Leftovers:
Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Best reheated in the oven or toaster oven—not the microwave.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this with frozen puff pastry?
A: Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed but still cold for best handling.
Q: My twists came undone in the oven—what went wrong?
A: Be sure to twist them tightly and gently press the ends onto the baking sheet to help hold their shape.
Q: Can I use pre-sliced cheese?
A: You can, but shredded cheese melts more evenly and sticks better during twisting.
🧀 Final Thoughts
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Twists are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—delicious, pretty, and super easy. They’re great as a holiday appetizer, brunch snack, or even lunchbox treat. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable.
📣 Let’s Twist Again!
Tried this recipe? Snap a photo and tag @YourBlogHandle on Instagram or drop your twist ideas in the comments below. Did you go classic, spicy, or veggie? I’d love to see it!