Prosciutto Cheese Twists

These simple, tasty prosciutto puff pastry cheese twists are perfect for a party appetizer. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious bites in no time! Easily make them vegetarian but skipping the cured meat.

about these prosciutto cheese twists

These crispy, flaky prosciutto cheese twists are the appetizer you never knew you needed. You’ve got buttery puff pastry wrapped with salty prosciutto, fresh herbs, nutty gruyere, and sharp parmesan, then baked until golden and crispy.

They’re that perfect grab-and-go party snack that looks fancy but takes minimal effort.

When I think about making party appetizers, I always want something quick and easy. This recipe is exactly that, using store-bought puff pastry. All you have to do is layer, twist, and bake – no complicated techniques required.

This is the kind of recipe that you should make a double batch of, because they end up disappearing so fast. They’re perfect for everything from holiday parties to afternoon snacking. Plus, you can prep them ahead and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive.

They are SO much better than breadsticks, I’m just saying.

ingredients

puff pastry. Use one sheet of thawed puff pastry or you can use homemade puff pastry.

cheeses. We like to use a combination of gruyere cheese and parmesan cheese for this recipe. You can also use fontina, havarti, or mozzarella instead of gruyere cheese.

herbs. All you need is a combination of freshly chopped rosemary leaves and freshly chopped thyme leaves.

prosciutto. One of the best cured meats! You can use prosciutto, or skip it to make this recipe vegetarian.

egg wash. For the egg wash, you will need one egg and one teaspoon water. Whisk together to combine.

salt. I like to use flaky sea salt for this recipe! You can also use coarse sea salt or kosher salt, if preferred.

this recipe’s must-haves

For this recipe, you will need a marble rolling pin. I love this particular type of rolling pin because it is heavy and it keeps the pastry cold.

I like to use my microplane grater to grate the cheeses.

To slice the pastry, you can use a sharp chef’s knife, pastry cutter, pizza cutter, or pasta cutter.

Bake your twists on a half sheet baking pan lined with either a silicone mat or parchment paper.

here’s how to make these cheese twists

roll

Roll out the puff pastry lightly on a clean, floured work surface. The rectangle should be 12-inches by 14-inches in size.

Rotate the rectangle so the shorter end is facing you. Sprinkle with gruyere, parmesan, and fresh herbs.

Fold the pastry dough over towards you so it is folded in half. Use a rolling pin to gentle press the cheese and herbs into the pastry.

Cut the sheet into 12 strips with a sharp knife.

twist

Gently twist each piece by holding either end and twisting in opposite directions. Twist several times to enclose the cheese and herb filling.

Take a piece of prosciutto and wrap it around each. You may need to use a couple of pieces!

bake

Place on a prepared baking sheet.

Whisk together one egg and 1 teaspoon water to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the twists with the egg wash and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400˚F, until golden brown.

Remove to a platter and sprinkle with more fresh herbs, if desired, before serving.

More tasty appetizers recipes to enjoy: Crispy Prosciutto | Marinated Mozzarella Balls | Baked Camembert | Greek Hummus

do I have to use prosciutto?

You can skip the prosciutto if you prefer! These cheese twists are still super flavorful with all the cheese and fresh herbs wrapped up inside the puff pastry twists.

can I use a different cheese other than gruyere?

Whether you cannot find gruyere or perhaps you don’t like the flavor, there are other cheeses you can use instead! We recommend using fontina, havarti, or mozzarella cheese as they all melt really well. You could also use cheddar, but make sure it is mild in flavor so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors. The key is to make sure you freshly grate the cheese – do not use pre-grated cheese or it will not melt as well when it bakes.

do I need to serve these cheese twists fresh out of the oven or can they be served at room temperature?

You can serve these puff pastry cheese straws either fresh out of the oven or they can sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. While we tend to enjoy them piping hot from the oven, they are equally as good after cooling down a bit.

I can’t find fresh herbs, help!

If you can’t find fresh herbs, don’t panic! You can spread the puff pastry with pesto before sprinkling with grated cheese instead.

how can I change up the flavor?

Changing up the flavor of these twists is simple! You can use different types of cheeses. Another idea is to use other herbs like basil and/or oregano. Finally, think about incorporating different spices like freshly cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and/or cayenne pepper.

Need some inspiration for appetizers? Check out my appetizers recipe page!

what to serve with these prosciutto cheese twists

We love to serve these prosciutto cheese twists as an appetizer or even an afternoon snack. You don’t really need to serve them with any dipping sauce – they have plenty of flavor on their own.

Add them to an Italian charcuterie board to give your meat and cheese platter a little extra something!

Not serving them for a cocktail party? Pair them with soup instead!

how to store & reheat

Store. Cool the cheese twists completely before storing in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Place in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days.

Reheat. Place on a baking sheet and reheat at 350˚F for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Freeze. We do not recommend freezing these cheese twists after baking as it changes the texture. You can freeze them before baking by placing the unbaked, prepared twists on a baking sheet in an even layer. Place them in the freezer for a few hours until solid, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Thaw. Thaw the unbaked, frozen twists overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as instructed.

more easy appetizer recipes to try

Ready in just 20 minutes, these crispy air fryer ravioli are ideal for dipping in warm marinara sauce.

Whipped ricotta is a versatile dip that you can customize with your favorite flavors by topping it with nuts, honey, jam, fresh herbs, and more. Plus you can make it ahead of time!

Stuffed bacon wrapped dates are sweet and savory, making them the perfect bite for any holiday party.

Finally, if you make this prosciutto cheese twists recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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