Pin It This Spiced Apple Cheddar Puff Pastry Twists recipe is the easiest way to have something special and impressive with almost no effort. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these golden twists fill the kitchen with nostalgic autumn spice and satisfy both sweet and savory cravings in every flaky bite.
My love for this treat started when I was searching for something to bake with my daughter on a quiet fall weekend. Now we make these together every year the house fills with the smell of cinnamon apples and melted cheddar and it feels like a new family tradition.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: look for all-butter varieties in the freezer section for the flakiest result
- Apple: choose a crisp tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the cheese
- Sharp cheddar: adds rich nutty flavor I like to hand grate it for the freshest taste
- Brown sugar: brings caramel notes that pair so well with apple
- Ground cinnamon: gives cozy warmth my go-to spice for baking with fruit
- Egg: creates a shiny golden finish when brushed on the pastry
- All-purpose flour: helps prevent sticking when rolling out the dough
Instructions
- Thaw and Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Let the puff pastry sheet sit at room temperature until just pliable about 30 to 40 minutes This prevents cracks and helps you roll it smoothly
- Roll and Flour the Surface:
- Dust your work surface lightly with flour then roll the pastry into a rectangle about one eighth inch thick This creates even layers that puff up perfectly
- Mix the Filling:
- In a small bowl toss the grated apple with brown sugar and cinnamon Stir until the fruit is well coated and juicy
- Layer the Cheese and Spiced Apples:
- Evenly sprinkle grated cheddar over half of the pastry then scatter the spiced apple mixture right on top This step ensures every bite has sweet and cheesy layers
- Fold and Slice:
- Fold the pastry over the filling like closing a book Use a rolling pin to gently press everything together Slice into strips about one inch wide for easy twists
- Twist and Arrange:
- Pick up each strip and give it a few turns to create a spiral Place each twist on a parchment lined baking sheet spacing them apart so they crisp up
- Egg Wash and Bake:
- Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush it over the twists Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit until deep golden and fragrant usually twenty two to twenty five minutes
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the twists cool for at least five minutes before eating This allows the cheese and apple juices to set without burning your mouth
Pin It The cheddar is my favorite part It melts into small pockets of salty flavor that offset the sweet apples My daughter loves to help by twisting the pastry strips and the first warm bite always makes us both smile
Storage tips
Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days The pastry will soften but you can re-crisp them in a low oven for a few minutes For longer storage freeze baked twists wrapped tightly and reheat straight from the freezer
Ingredient substitutions
Try using gruyere or any sharp cheese in place of cheddar For a different fruit filling substitute pear or add a few dried cranberries If you have pie spice on hand that can stand in for cinnamon
Serving suggestions
Serve these twists warm on a brunch platter with eggs and fruit or alongside a sharp apple chutney They also make great picnic snacks or a creative accompaniment to butternut squash soup
Pin It These Apple Cheddar Twists are a simple joy for busy mornings or afternoon gatherings They always disappear quickly so I recommend making a double batch
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves preparation time.
- → Which apples are best for the filling?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance the sweetness and pair well with cheddar.
- → How long should the pastry bake?
Bake until golden and crisp, usually 18-22 minutes at recommended temperature.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Twists can be assembled ahead and baked fresh, or reheated to restore crispness.
- → What spices complement the apples?
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, while a hint of clove enhances depth.
- → Should cheddar be mild or sharp?
Sharp cheddar provides a more pronounced flavor that nicely contrasts the sweet apples.