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Flaky Cheese Twists

Flaky Cheese Twists recipe image
These Flaky Cheese Twists are a savory, addictive snack made from a tender, buttery dough similar to puff pastry but easier to handle. The dough is rolled thin, brushed with egg wash, and sprinkled with a mixture of finely grated cheddar cheese, paprika, and breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Each strip is twisted into a delicate spiral before baking until golden brown and crisp. They are perfect for serving with wine, as a party appetizer, or as a comforting snack with coffee.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12
Calories: 41
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
These Flaky Cheese Twists are a savory, addictive snack made from a tender, buttery dough similar to puff pastry but easier to handle. The dough is rolled thin, brushed with egg wash, and sprinkled with a mixture of finely grated cheddar cheese, paprika, and breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Each strip is twisted into a delicate spiral before baking until golden brown and crisp. They are perfect for serving with wine, as a party appetizer, or as a comforting snack with coffee.
Ingredients
  • Instant flour ("Wondra")
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter, chilled and cut into bits
  • Ice water, or as needed
  • Cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • Paprika (medium-hot if available)
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • Dry bread crumbs, fine
  • Egg
  • Water
Directions
  1. 1
    Whisk together the flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2
    Add the chilled butter bits and blend into the flour using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. 3
    Sprinkle ice water gradually over the mixture, mixing lightly with a fork.
  4. 4
    Add just enough water to make the dough bits adhere to each other; do not overmix.
  5. 5
    Form the dough into a rectangular brick, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
  6. 6
    When ready to bake, halve the pastry dough. Return one half to the refrigerator.
  7. 7
    On a lightly floured surface, roll the remaining half of the dough into an 8x12 inch rectangle.
  8. 8
    Turn the pastry so a long side faces you, brush off surplus flour, and fold the pastry like a book, bringing the ends to meet at the center.
  9. 9
    Roll the folded pastry out again into a 7x10 inch oblong. If the dough becomes too soft, refrigerate it briefly.
  10. 10
    Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper and sprinkle lightly with flour. Lay the pastry on the paper and roll it out to 9x12 inches.
  11. 11
    Chill the rolled dough. Repeat the rolling and folding process with the second half of the dough.
  12. 12
    Chill both halves of the dough, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or cover loosely and chill up to 12 hours.
  13. 13
    Combine the grated cheddar cheese, paprika, coarse salt, and bread crumbs in a small bowl.
  14. 14
    In another small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
  15. 15
    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  16. 16
    Slide one sheet of dough, still on its wax paper, onto your work surface.
  17. 17
    Brush the dough lightly with the egg mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture, pressing it gently into the surface.
  18. 18
    Cover with a sheet of wax paper and flip the dough over.
  19. 19
    Peel off the top wax paper, brush the exposed surface with egg wash, and sprinkle with another 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture, pressing it in.
  20. 20
    Quarter the sheet of dough using a pastry wheel or pizza cutter.
  21. 21
    Cut each quarter into strips that are 1/2 inch wide and 4 inches long.
  22. 22
    Twist each strip to pencil-thinness; they will lengthen as you twist.
  23. 23
    Place the twists 1/2 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Press the ends of the twists onto the pan to prevent unrolling.
  24. 24
    Bake for about 15 minutes, until the sticks are golden brown.
  25. 25
    Remove to wire racks to cool. Trim off any unsightly flattened ends when cool.
  26. 26
    Repeat the forming and baking procedure for the second half of the dough.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 41kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.1g4%
Saturated Fat 1.3g7%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 203mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 4.8g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
Protein 0.6g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cheese twists, flaky pastry, cheddar, appetizer, snack, baked, vegetarian, party food, pastry, twists, crispy, savory, homemade, easy pastry, wondra flour, cheese snack
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/flaky-cheese-twists/