Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists

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There’s something about buttery, flaky pastry that gets me every time, especially when it’s wrapped around gooey, melty cheese and a bit of leafy green goodness. I was inspired to make these Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists one lazy Saturday afternoon when all I craved was a comforting snack that didn’t require hours of work. These twists hit the sweet spot between elegant and effortless, and the best part? They look like they took way more effort than they actually did.

The moment I pulled them out of the oven, I knew I had struck gold. Golden brown, puffed to perfection, and the aroma of toasted cheese mingled with garlic butter had me grabbing one before they even had time to cool. The Parmesan crisped up around the edges while the inside stayed rich and melty, perfectly complementing the delicate bitterness of the spinach. These quickly became my go-to when friends stop by or when I want to dress up a brunch table with something savory.

If you love things that are cheesy, warm, and packed with flavor, then you’re going to adore these. They’re ideal for dipping into soups, serving alongside salads, or just enjoying straight from the baking sheet while standing in the kitchen (no shame!). And if you’re into easy finger foods like my Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce, Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce, or Creamy Broccoli Pasta, you’re definitely going to want to add these twists to your list.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists Recipe

These cheese twists are everything you want in a savory snack: buttery, cheesy, herby, and perfectly crisp. The puff pastry brings an indulgent flakiness, while the spinach adds freshness and color that balances out the richness of the cheese. It only takes a few ingredients to whip up a batch, but the end result is fancy enough to serve at gatherings or as an appetizer at dinner parties.

They’re also versatile: you can eat them warm or at room temperature, and they’re just as good as leftovers (if you happen to have any). Whether you’re making them for guests, a special brunch, or just because you’re craving something cozy, these twists are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry Sheets
This is the flaky, buttery base that makes these twists so irresistible. You want them thawed but still cold for easy handling.

Fresh Spinach
It brings color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Parmesan Cheese
Nutty, salty, and sharp, Parmesan adds that intense cheesy bite and also crisps up beautifully on the edges.

Mozzarella Cheese
For that gooey, stretchy interior. It balances the drier Parmesan with creaminess.

Garlic Powder
A touch of this adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Salt & Pepper
To season and round out the flavors.

Egg
Used for the egg wash to get that gorgeous golden-brown color on the pastry.

How to Make Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists

Step 1: Prep the Pastry

Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. You want them to be even and smooth, about ¼ inch thick.

Step 2: Layer the Filling

Sprinkle half the sheet with chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, mozzarella, and a dash of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold the pastry sheet over to cover the filling.

Step 3: Slice and Twist

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip gently and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Whisk the egg and lightly brush each twist. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily make these your own with a few tweaks. Swap the spinach for kale or arugula if that’s what you have on hand. Love spice? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the filling. If you’re out of Parmesan, sharp white cheddar works beautifully too. For a deeper flavor profile, add a thin layer of pesto before layering the cheese. Vegans can use dairy-free cheese and skip the egg wash or use plant-based milk instead.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these twists with tomato soup or alongside a crisp green salad for lunch. They’re also fantastic with dips like marinara, garlic aioli, or even a soft herb cheese spread. I often bring them out during gatherings as appetizers, and they vanish in minutes. You could also pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a savory brunch platter.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four. To reheat, pop them into a 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes to bring back the crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the pastry.

FAQs

Can I make Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them, place them on a tray, and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. They also freeze well unbaked; just add 3-5 minutes to your baking time straight from frozen.

Can I use frozen spinach in Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy pastry.

What other cheeses work well in Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists?

You can try sharp cheddar, Gruyère, feta, or a mix of your favorite melty cheeses. Just be sure to balance with a cheese that gives some crispiness like Parmesan.

How do I keep Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists crispy?

Bake them until deeply golden brown and let them cool on a wire rack. Don’t cover them tightly while still warm or they’ll steam and lose their crunch.

Are Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the cheesy goodness and fun twist shape. You can skip spinach or finely chop it for pickier eaters.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If these twists had you swooning, you should check out Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake for another veggie-loaded comfort dish. Or try Loaded Tater Tots when you’re in the mood for something crispy and indulgent.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t let this one get lost! Pin these Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists to your favorite appetizer or snack board on Pinterest so you always have them on hand for parties or quick bites. If you try this recipe and love it, snap a photo and tag me — I love seeing your kitchen creations! You can also share it with friends and family on Facebook or save it to your recipe collection to come back to again and again.

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