These Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists are a crispy, flaky, and cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a delicious snack. Made with buttery puff pastry, fresh spinach, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, these twists are baked to golden perfection. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Uses store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Crispy & Cheesy – Perfectly golden with a gooey cheese filling.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or side.
- Customizable – Add different cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian-Friendly – A meatless option packed with flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Twists
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Evenly spread the cheese and spinach mixture over half of the pastry.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing down gently.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into ½-inch wide strips.
- Twist each strip carefully and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Twists
- Brush each twist with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the twists cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 twists
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheese Variety: Try using cheddar, feta, or gouda for different flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for extra aroma.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Extra Crunchy: Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven/Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds, but the texture may be softer.
Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked twists on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it with the cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the twists and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free puff pastry to make them gluten-free.
How do I prevent my puff pastry from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with cheese and spinach and bake immediately after assembling.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Serve with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a creamy ranch dip.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes! Add crumbled bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier twist.
How do I get the best golden-brown crust?
Brushing with an egg wash before baking ensures a shiny, golden crust.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with soups, salads, or as a side for pasta dishes.
Do these taste good cold?
They’re best served warm, but you can enjoy them at room temperature as well.
Conclusion
These Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists are a quick, easy, and irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery, flaky crust and a cheesy spinach filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists are a flaky, cheesy, and savory appetizer, perfect for parties, brunch, or snacking. Made with puff pastry, fresh spinach, Parmesan, and mozzarella, they bake to crispy, golden perfection. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Produce:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Refrigerated:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Baking & Spices:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread & Dairy:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble the Twists:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Evenly spread the cheese and spinach mixture over half of the puff pastry.
- Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, pressing lightly.
- Cut into ½-inch strips and gently twist each strip a few times.
- Place twists on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake & Serve:
- Beat the egg and brush over each twist for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Extra Crispy? Sprinkle with more Parmesan before baking.
- Add Heat: Mix in red pepper flakes for a little spice.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired