Gruyère and Sesame Twists are a delicious and savory pastry snack that combines the nutty, creamy flavor of Gruyère cheese with the crunch of sesame seeds, all wrapped up in buttery, flaky puff pastry. The pastry is rolled out, generously sprinkled with shredded Gruyère and sesame seeds, then twisted into fun, spiral shapes and baked until golden brown and crispy. The result is a light, flaky snack with a perfect balance of cheese, sesame, and buttery goodness.
I first made Gruyère and Sesame Twists when I wanted a savory treat that was easy to prepare but felt indulgent. The combination of Gruyère cheese and sesame seeds is so flavorful, and the puff pastry adds the perfect texture. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can serve these twists as an appetizer, snack, or even alongside a salad or soup for a more substantial meal. Whether for a party, casual gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these twists are sure to be a hit!
Perfect for:
- Mocktail parties
- Afternoon tea
- Family gatherings
- Game day snacks
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Gruyère and Sesame Twists will become your favorite snack:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The savory Gruyère cheese pairs wonderfully with the earthy sesame seeds.
- Golden and Flaky: The puff pastry gives these twists a light, crispy exterior.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Gruyère is known for its rich, nutty taste that melts perfectly inside the pastry.
- Quick and Easy: These twists come together in no time, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
- Versatile Appetizer: Serve them warm as an appetizer or snack at any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy the cheesy, savory flavor in every bite.
- Impressive Presentation: The twists look sophisticated and will be the talk of the table.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the twists in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable: Add herbs or spices to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- Great for Entertaining: These twists are easy to serve and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 twists
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 10g
Ingredients
For the Twists:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Gruyère Cheese: Offers a deep, nutty flavor and melts perfectly inside the pastry.
- Sesame Seeds: Add crunch and an extra layer of flavor to each twist.
- Puff Pastry: The light, flaky texture forms the ideal base for these savory twists.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Twists:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Add Cheese and Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the cheese.
- Fold and Cut: Fold the pastry in half to cover the filling. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 12 strips.
- Twist and Arrange: Twist each strip a few times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Egg: Brush each twist with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the twists are golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve:
- Serve Warm: Enjoy these delicious twists fresh from the oven while the cheese is gooey and the pastry is perfectly crisp.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Gruyère and Sesame Twists:
- As a Mocktail Snack: Serve with drinks for a delicious and sophisticated bite.
- With Dips: Pair with a tangy mustard or creamy ranch dip for added flavor.
- For Afternoon Tea: Serve as a savory alternative to sweet pastries.
- At a Buffet: Offer these twists as part of a larger spread for parties or gatherings.
- On a Cheese Platter: Complement a selection of cheeses with these savory twists.
- For Lunch: Pair with a salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
- With Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or any creamy soup.
- As an Appetizer: Perfect for starting off a dinner party or family meal.
- For Game Day: Serve these cheesy twists at your next game day party for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is cold and cut into small cubes. This helps create flaky layers in the dough, making your twists crispier.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it to maintain its light and flaky texture.
- Roll Thin for Crunch: Roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing. Thin layers bake up crispier and provide the perfect crunch.
- Use Fresh Gruyère: Freshly grated Gruyère will melt better and offer a stronger, more aromatic flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Chill the Dough: Once shaped, chill the twists in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them keep their shape during baking.
- Add Flavored Salt: Sprinkle a little flavored salt, such as garlic or rosemary salt, on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Brush with Egg Wash: For a golden finish, brush the twists with a beaten egg or egg yolk mixed with a splash of water before baking.
- Try Different Seeds: Swap sesame seeds for poppy or caraway seeds for a unique flavor twist while keeping the crunchiness.
- Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the dough or as a topping before baking.
- Serve Fresh: Gruyère and Sesame Twists are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is melty and the twists are still crisp.
Recipe Variations
- Add Herbs: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cheese for added flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the egg wash and brush with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Different Cheeses: Swap Gruyère with cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for a different cheese flavor.
- Add Prosciutto: Layer thin slices of prosciutto over the cheese before folding for a savory addition.
Special Equipment
- Sharp Knife: For cutting the pastry into even strips.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the twists on for even cooking.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash over the twists.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe. - Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the twists, freeze them before baking, and bake them when you’re ready. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use cheddar, parmesan, or any cheese that melts well. - How long do the twists last?
These twists are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I add other seeds?
Yes, feel free to add poppy seeds or flaxseeds for a variation on the sesame flavor. - Can I freeze the baked twists?
Yes, you can freeze the baked twists for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven to bring back the crispiness. - Can I use a cheese blend?
Yes, a mix of cheeses can create a delicious and complex flavor in the twists. - How can I make these twists spicier?
Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a spicy twist. - Can I make these without sesame seeds?
Yes, you can skip the sesame seeds or substitute them with poppy seeds or herbs. - How do I prevent the twists from becoming soggy?
Make sure to bake them until they are crispy and golden, and serve immediately for the best texture.
Conclusion
Gruyère and Sesame Twists are a delightful, savory snack that combines the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese with the crunch of sesame seeds, all wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. The dough is twisted into elegant spirals and baked to golden perfection, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and the sesame seeds to add a delightful crunch. These twists are not only visually stunning but also pack a punch of flavor, making them perfect for parties, appetizers, or as a side to your favorite soups and salads.
This recipe is easy to make and can be customized by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor, or even incorporating a bit of garlic for a savory twist. Whether you serve them at a gathering, pack them for lunch, or enjoy them as a quick snack, Gruyère and Sesame Twists are sure to be a hit.
I can’t wait to see how your Gruyère and Sesame Twists turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made these twists your own!