If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack, these Garlic Butter Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Twists are a perfect choice. With their crispy, golden pastry and savory ham, cheese, and garlic filling, these twists are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Paired with a creamy roasted garlic sour cream dip, they make for a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love These Twists
Crispy and Golden: The puff pastry turns beautifully crispy and golden as it bakes, creating the perfect crunch in every bite.
Flavorful Filling: A delicious combination of ham, cheese, and garlic butter gives these twists a savory and comforting flavor.
Easy to Make: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe simple and quick, but the homemade flavors shine through.
Perfect with Dip: The roasted garlic sour cream dip adds a creamy, garlicky tang that complements the twists wonderfully.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Twists:
Puff Pastry: 400 g (14 oz)
Ham: 150 g (5 oz), finely chopped
Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
Cheese: 150 g (5 oz), grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese)
Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing)
Parsley: 15 g (1 tbsp), chopped
Dill: 25 g (2 tbsp), chopped
Butter: 30 g (2 tbsp), melted
Vegetable Oil: For greasing
Chili Sauce: 5 g (1 tsp), optional for heat
Sour Cream: 5 tbsp, for dipping
Salt: Optional, to taste
Garlic Head: 1, roasted (for the dip)
For the Roasted Garlic Sour Cream Dip:
Sour Cream: 5 tbsp
Garlic Head: 1 (for roasting)
Salt: A pinch, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mix
In a small bowl, melt butter.
Add the minced garlic, parsley, and dill to the butter and mix well.
Stir in chili sauce (if using) for an extra kick of heat.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet.
Brush the pastry with half of the garlic butter mixture.
3. Add the Filling
Evenly sprinkle the grated cheese and chopped ham over the puff pastry.
Fold the pastry in half and gently press it down to seal.
4. Cut and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
Take each strip and twist it several times to form a spiral shape.
Place the twists on a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake the Pastry Twists
Brush each twist with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pastry is crispy and golden brown.
6. Prepare the Sour Cream Dip
Roast the whole garlic head in the oven until soft (about 30 minutes). You can roast it alongside the pastry or separately.
Once roasted, mash the garlic and mix it with the sour cream and a pinch of salt.
7. Serve
Once the twists are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and brush with the remaining garlic butter.
Serve the warm pastry twists alongside the garlic sour cream dip for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for Parties: These savory twists are ideal for serving at parties, gatherings, or as an appetizer at holiday dinners.
Snack Time: Enjoy them as a quick snack or alongside a light salad for a satisfying meal.
Kids’ Favorite: The combination of cheese, ham, and puff pastry is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Cooking Tips
Roasting Garlic: When roasting the garlic, wrap the garlic head in foil and bake at 180°C (360°F) for about 30 minutes, or until soft. This mellow, sweet flavor will enhance your dip.
Cheese Choice: Use any cheese you like, but cheddar or mozzarella are excellent choices that melt well and pair nicely with the ham.
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the twists ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.