Blue Cheese Walnut and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl (Elegant, Flaky & Irresistible)
If you want a show-stopping appetizer that looks like it came straight from a French bakery but takes barely any effort, this Blue Cheese Walnut and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is your new secret weapon.
It’s buttery, flaky, and filled with the perfect balance of creamy blue cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme — an irresistible combination of savory and nutty flavors that melt together as the pastry bakes to golden perfection.
This elegant appetizer works beautifully for holiday gatherings, cocktail nights, or cozy dinners when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. One pull of a flaky twist and the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the table.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Looks bakery-made but uses simple store-bought puff pastry.
- Crowd Pleaser: Warm, buttery, and cheesy — what’s not to love?
- Quick Prep: Ready to bake in 15 minutes or less.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble, chill, and bake just before serving.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: Savory blue cheese, nutty walnuts, and fragrant thyme combine perfectly.
🍴 Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Twirl:
- 2 sheets puff pastry – thawed if frozen
- 4 oz (115g) blue cheese – crumbled
- ½ cup walnuts – roughly chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves – plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp honey – optional, for drizzling
- 1 tbsp butter – melted (for brushing)
- 1 egg – beaten (for egg wash)
- A pinch of black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, thyme leaves, and a touch of black pepper. (Add a drizzle of honey here if you like a hint of sweetness to balance the sharpness of the cheese.) - Roll Out the Pastry
Place one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it gently to smooth out any creases. - Add the Filling
Evenly scatter the cheese and walnut mixture over the pastry, leaving about ½ inch around the edges. - Top with the Second Sheet
Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press lightly to seal the edges. - Shape the Twirl
Cut the pastry into a large circle using a dinner plate as a guide. Transfer it carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
Place a small glass upside down in the center of the circle. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into 16 equal strips from the glass outward (like a sunburst), leaving the center intact. - Twist Each Strip
Take each strip and twist it gently 2–3 times. Repeat for all strips to form a stunning pinwheel or flower shape. Remove the glass. - Brush and Bake
Brush the pastry with beaten egg and drizzle lightly with melted butter.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, drizzle with honey if desired, and serve warm.
Blue Cheese Walnut and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix blue cheese, walnuts, thyme, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Roll out puff pastry and spread filling evenly, leaving ½ inch edge.
- Top with second pastry sheet, cut into a circle, and slice 16 strips around a center glass.
- Twist each strip 2–3 times, brush with egg and butter, and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle with thyme, drizzle with honey, and serve warm.
Notes
🍯 Serving Suggestions
- Party Platter Star: Serve it whole in the center of a platter for guests to pull apart.
- Elegant Appetizer: Pair with honey or fig jam for a sweet contrast.
- Side Dish Upgrade: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with balsamic glaze.
- Holiday Highlight: Perfect addition to a cheese board or brunch spread.
🌿 Tips & Variations
Expert Tips
- Use chilled pastry: Puff pastry puffs best when cold — work quickly to keep it firm.
- Toast the walnuts beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overfill the pastry — too much cheese can cause leaks.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect browning.
Variations
- Add caramelized onions for a sweet-savory twist.
- Swap blue cheese for goat cheese or feta if you prefer milder flavor.
- Add prosciutto slices between layers for extra indulgence.
- Make mini versions using puff pastry squares twisted into smaller pinwheels.
🕒 Make-Ahead & Storage
- To Make Ahead: Assemble the twirl, cover it on the baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
- To Store: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to crisp up again.
- To Freeze: Wrap the baked twirl tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
🧂 Perfect Pairings
This flaky pastry pairs wonderfully with:
- A glass of crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- A side of honey mustard dip or balsamic glaze
- Charcuterie boards and soft cheeses for a classy touch
🇫🇷 Fun Fact: The French Inspiration
This dish draws inspiration from feuilletés salés — savory puff pastry treats popular in France. The concept of twisting puff pastry into a “sunburst” or “twirl” originated as a clever way to present filled pastries in a shareable, artistic shape. Combining bold flavors like blue cheese and thyme gives this classic idea a sophisticated twist that’s perfect for modern entertaining.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Blue Cheese Walnut and Thyme Pull-Apart Puff Pastry Twirl is the kind of recipe that makes people stop and stare — golden, glossy, and effortlessly elegant. It’s flaky on the outside, creamy inside, and each twist bursts with flavor.
Serve it fresh out of the oven, and you’ll see the magic of puff pastry unfold — literally. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this easy yet impressive pastry will earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.
