Blue Cheese, Walnut & Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl — A Sophisticated Savory Bake

If you love the combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and nutty crunch, this Blue Cheese, Walnut & Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl will steal your heart — and your guests’ attention.

Golden, crisp, buttery layers of puff pastry are filled with the bold tang of blue cheese, the earthy sweetness of toasted walnuts, and the aromatic lift of fresh thyme. When baked, it transforms into a beautifully twisted showstopper — perfect for serving warm as an appetizer, side, or even as part of a festive brunch spread.

This recipe is an effortless way to make something elegant and impressive with minimal effort. Using store-bought puff pastry as a base means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying this flaky masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Gourmet: Looks bakery-worthy, but made with easy everyday ingredients.
• Perfect Flavor Balance: The salty tang of blue cheese meets the sweetness of honey and crunch of walnuts.
• Ideal for Entertaining: Makes a visually stunning centerpiece for holiday or dinner parties.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for soups and salads.
• Quick & Convenient: Just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking.

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Twirl

• 2 sheets puff pastry (store-bought, thawed if frozen)
• ¾ cup blue cheese crumbles (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
• ½ cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, to thin the egg wash)
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Pastry Base:
   Unroll the first sheet of puff pastry and place it on the prepared baking sheet. If it’s sticky, lightly dust the surface with flour.
3. Add the Filling:
   Evenly sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles, chopped walnuts, and thyme over the pastry sheet. Drizzle lightly with honey, then season with a touch of salt and pepper.
4. Top and Seal:
   Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly over the filling. Gently press the edges together to seal.
5. Shape the Twirl:
   Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into a large circle (about 10 inches in diameter). Transfer the circle to the center of the baking sheet if necessary.
6. Create the Sunburst Design:
   Place a small glass or jar lid in the center to mark the middle. Cut the circle into 16 even strips, starting from the edge of the glass outward like sun rays.
7. Twist Each Strip:
   Gently twist each strip two or three times to form the beautiful pull-apart pattern. Remove the glass when done.
8. Brush and Bake:
   Brush the entire pastry with egg wash (egg + milk mixture). Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
9. Finish with Honey Drizzle:
   Once baked, drizzle lightly with honey and sprinkle a few extra thyme leaves for garnish.
10. Serve Warm:
    Serve immediately as an appetizer or snack. Enjoy the contrast of crisp pastry, creamy cheese, and sweet honey.

Blue Cheese, Walnut & Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl

Flaky puff pastry filled with rich blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme — finished with honey for the perfect sweet and savory bite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: European, French

Calories: 280

Ingredients

  

Puff Pastry Twirl

• 2 sheets puff pastry thawed if frozen
• 0.75 cup blue cheese crumbled
• 0.5 cup walnuts toasted and chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp honey plus extra for drizzling
• 1 egg beaten for egg wash
• 1 tbsp milk optional, to thin egg wash
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling Pin
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay one sheet of puff pastry on the baking sheet and top with blue cheese, walnuts, thyme, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover with second sheet of puff pastry and press edges to seal.
4. Cut into a circle and slice into 16 even strips radiating from the center.
5. Twist each strip two or three times and brush pastry with egg wash.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
7. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle thyme, and serve warm.

Notes

Can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Try with hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.

Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Twirls

• Keep the Dough Cold: Cold puff pastry puffs better and creates crisp layers.
• Use Good Quality Cheese: Strong blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton give the best depth of flavor.
• Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting walnuts before adding enhances their nuttiness.
• Shape Creatively: You can make mini individual twirls or one large shareable piece.
• Don’t Skip the Honey: It balances the strong cheese flavor and adds that touch of luxury.

Flavor Variations

1. Fig & Blue Cheese: Add a layer of fig jam before sprinkling the cheese for extra sweetness.
2. Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese: Spread caramelized onions before layering the filling for a deep, savory twist.
3. Pear & Gorgonzola: Add thin slices of pear between the layers for a gourmet touch.
4. Spicy Honey Twist: Drizzle with hot honey instead of regular for a sweet-heat combo.
5. Herb Upgrade: Try rosemary or sage in place of thyme for a more wintery aroma.

Serving Suggestions

This pastry twirl is endlessly versatile:

• Serve as a party appetizer with cocktails or wine.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a light lunch.
• Use it as a sophisticated side dish for roast meats or soups.
• Cut into wedges and serve warm on a holiday grazing board.

For added flair, serve with a dipping sauce like balsamic glaze, herbed olive oil, or whipped honey butter.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until crisp again.
• Freezing: You can freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to bake time.

Nutritional Benefits

While this pastry is a treat, it also packs some goodness:

• Walnuts offer omega-3 fats and antioxidants.
• Thyme adds natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Blue Cheese provides calcium and probiotics.
• The balance of rich and fresh ingredients makes this recipe indulgent but wholesome in moderation.

Fun Fact

The concept of “pull-apart pastry” is inspired by French pâtisserie techniques, designed to create shareable, flaky layers that everyone can enjoy. The twirl shape also resembles a festive wreath, making this dish a stunning centerpiece for holiday tables.

Perfect for Entertaining

This Blue Cheese, Walnut & Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is the ultimate no-stress, high-impact dish for entertaining. It looks like something from a Parisian bakery yet requires almost no culinary expertise. With its golden crust, aromatic herbs, and decadent filling, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.