Cozy Apple Butter Cheese Twists Recipe for Sweet-Savory Snacking

Warm, flaky pastries with a swirl of homemade apple butter cheese twists tantalize taste buds and spark culinary excitement.

Golden, buttery layers promise a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

These elegant treats emerge from the oven with a gorgeous golden-brown shimmer.

Crisp, delicate pastry intertwines with rich apple butter and creamy cheese for an irresistible combination.

Each twist delivers a perfect balance of textures that melt in your mouth.

The aroma fills the kitchen with comforting warmth and anticipation.

Serve these delectable twists and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Why Apple Butter Cheese Twists Taste Like Fall

• Indulge in Bakery-Style Decadence: Experience restaurant-quality cookies that rival professional bakery treats right from your own kitchen.
• Master Texture Perfection: Create incredibly soft, rich cookies with a perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey centers that melt in your mouth.
• Customize Your Cookie Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adding toffee bits, experimenting with different chocolate chips, or playing with salt toppings to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve professional-looking giant cookies that look and taste like they came from a specialty bakeshop, without requiring advanced baking skills.

Ingredient Checklist for Cheese Apple Twists

• Puff Pastry Sheets: Delicate and flaky pastry that creates a light and crispy texture for the cheese twists.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that provide a rich, savory flavor to the pastry twists.

• Apple Butter: Sweet and concentrated apple spread that adds a unique fruity depth to the savory pastry.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that brings a subtle earthy and herbal note to the cheese twists.

• Egg: Helps seal the pastry layers and creates a golden, glossy exterior when baked.

How to Make Apple Butter Cheese Twists

Step 1: Mix Cheese Blend

Grab a medium bowl and combine shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses into a delightful mixture.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Pastry Base

• Sprinkle cheese blend on a clean work surface
• Place puff pastry sheet over the cheese
• Sprinkle more cheese on top
• Use a rolling pin to gently press cheese into pastry
• Roll pastry into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle
• Repeat with second pastry sheet

Step 3: Layer and Season Pastry

• Brush one pastry sheet with beaten egg
• Place second pastry sheet on top, egg-wash side down
• Spread apple butter across top sheet, leaving a 1-inch border
• Sprinkle remaining cheese blend
• Scatter chopped thyme
• Gently press layers together

Step 4: Chill Pastry

Refrigerate assembled pastry for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Cut and Shape Twists

• Transfer chilled pastry to cutting board
• Slice into 3/4-inch wide strips
• Transfer strips to parchment-lined baking sheets
• Pinch strip ends to seal
• Twist each strip in opposite directions
• Press any loose ends into parchment
• Refrigerate again for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes

Step 6: Bake Golden Spirals

• Brush twists with remaining beaten egg
• Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cool twists on wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tip: Can freeze unbaked twists for up to 1 month.

Bake directly from frozen, adding extra minutes to baking time.

Notes for Baking Cheesy Apple Butter Twists

• Refrigerate or freeze the pastry before cutting and twisting to ensure ultra-crisp, flaky layers that hold their shape perfectly.
• Press cheese into pastry with a rolling pin to create a deliciously even, crispy cheese crust that adheres beautifully.
• Pinch strip ends firmly and twist carefully to maintain the spiral shape, gently pressing back any loose edges onto the parchment.
• Store unbaked twists in the freezer for up to a month, allowing you to have a gourmet appetizer ready at a moment's notice.
• Brush generously with beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color and extra shine on your cheese twists.

Creative Ways to Style Cheese Apple Twists

• Savory Herb Swap: Replace apple butter with sun-dried tomato paste and swap thyme for rosemary or basil for an Italian-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free puff pastry and almond flour-based cheese blend for celiac-friendly pastry twists.
• Vegan Cheese Variation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives, using coconut oil instead of egg wash.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese blend and use a spicy fruit preserves like habanero jam instead of apple butter.

Sips and Snacks With Cheese Apple Twists

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to complement the apple butter's sweetness and cheese's sharpness, creating a balanced flavor profile that refreshes the palate.
• Match Charcuterie Board: Serve these twists alongside cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and aged gouda to create a delightful appetizer spread that highlights the pastry's rich, savory notes.
• Create Cheese Course Companion: Pair with a light, tangy goat cheese or creamy brie to echo the cheese blend's complexity and provide a smooth contrast to the crispy, flaky texture of the twists.

Keeping Cheese Apple Twists Soft and Fresh

• Store leftover cheese twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Warm twists at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Briefly zap twists for 10-15 seconds to warm them. This method may slightly soften the pastry, so use sparingly.
• Seal completely cooled twists in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature and crisp in the oven before serving.

FAQs

• What is puff pastry and can I make my own?

Puff pastry is a light, flaky pastry made from multiple layers of dough and butter. While you can make it from scratch, buying pre-made sheets is much easier and saves significant time for this recipe.

• Can I substitute the cheeses in the recipe?

Yes, you can swap cheddar and parmesan with similar hard cheeses like gruyere or pecorino. Just ensure they melt well and provide a comparable flavor profile.

• Why do I need to chill the pastry multiple times during preparation?

Chilling helps the butter in the pastry stay cold, which creates those signature flaky layers and prevents the pastry from becoming tough. The cold temperature keeps the butter from melting before baking.

Apple Butter Cheese Twists Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful apple butter cheese twists showcase sweet-savory magic from homemade pastry. Flaky spirals deliver unexpected flavor combinations perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (17.3 ounces / 490 grams) package puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1/4 cup apple butter

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses in a medium bowl.
3. Dust work surface with 1/4 cup cheese blend and place first puff pastry sheet over it.
4. Sprinkle additional cheese blend on pastry and gently press with rolling pin.
5. Extend pastry into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle, ensuring even cheese distribution.
6. Repeat cheese and rolling process with second pastry sheet.
7. Coat one pastry sheet with beaten egg.
8. Layer second pastry sheet on top, egg-wash facing down.
9. Spread apple butter across top layer, maintaining a 1-inch border.
10. Scatter remaining cheese blend and chopped thyme over surface.
11. Softly compress layers and refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
12. Transfer chilled pastry to cutting board.
13. Slice pastry into 3/4-inch wide strips using sharp knife or pizza cutter.
14. Arrange strips on prepared baking sheets, leaving 1-inch spacing.
15. Seal strip ends and create spiral twists by rotating in opposite directions.
16. Secure any loose twists by pressing ends onto parchment.
17. Chill twists again for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
18. Brush twists with remaining beaten egg.
19. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
20. Cool on wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature.
21. For long-term storage, freeze unbaked twists and bake directly from frozen state, adding extra baking time.

Notes

• Chill pastry thoroughly to prevent butter from melting, ensuring flaky and crisp texture.
• Use cold ingredients and work quickly when handling puff pastry to maintain its delicate layers.
• Try different cheese combinations like gruyère or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with gluten-free alternative or use phyllo dough.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 205 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg