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My kitchen's filled with the amazing smell of freshly baked puff pastry ham and cheese twists today! These crunchy treats are my absolute favorite for parties and they're always the first thing to vanish from the table when friends come over. What's great is they're super easy to make and taste heavenly whether they're warm or cold.
What makes them extra special
What I adore about these twists is how versatile they are. Whipped up with just a few ingredients, they fit any occasion perfectly. That mix of flaky pastry, savory ham and melted cheese is totally addictive. They're always the highlight of every buffet at our place.
What you'll need
For my take, I grab a roll of cold puff pastry from the fridge section, 100g of thinly sliced ham, and the same amount of shredded cheese - Gouda or Emmental works great. An egg yolk mixed with a bit of water gives them that gorgeous golden color. If you want, sprinkle some sesame or poppy seeds on top.
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How to nail them every time
After rolling out the dough, I cover half with ham and cheese, then fold the other half over. Next, I cut 2cm wide strips and carefully twist them so the filling shows nicely. I brush them with egg yolk, add sesame seeds and pop them in the preheated oven at 200 degrees. They turn perfectly golden brown after 15-20 minutes.
My favorite twists on the classic
I love trying new things in my kitchen. Sometimes I make a veggie version with sun-dried tomatoes and basil. The sweet version with Nutella and hazelnuts is a hit with kids. Adding feta, olives, and herbs gives them a lovely Mediterranean feel.
Serving suggestions
We always enjoy these with a tasty herb cream cheese dip. They also go wonderfully with a creamy pumpkin soup or as part of an antipasti spread. At parties, I place them among other finger foods – it doesn't just look great but invites everyone to grab a bite.
My top tricks
The key thing is keeping the puff pastry really cold – that's how it gets super crispy. I'm gentle when twisting the strips so the filling stays put. Making them all the same size helps them bake evenly. A sprinkle of sesame seeds doesn't just make them pretty but adds extra flavor too.
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Keeping them fresh
These twists can be prepped ahead easily. I shape them in advance, store them in the fridge, and only bake them right before serving. Once baked, they'll stay good in an airtight container for two days and can be quickly refreshed in the oven.
Perfect for any gathering
Whether it's movie night, a party, or a fancy buffet – these twists always work brilliantly. They're my go-to when unexpected guests drop by and my secret weapon for stress-free hosting. Their flexibility makes them a true all-rounder.
The healthier side
Sure, they aren't diet food, but they're a fantastic treat in moderation. I often serve them alongside crunchy veggies or a fresh salad. Using leaner ham and lighter cheese cuts down on calories without losing any of that awesome taste.
A touch of heritage
The inspiration for these twists comes from French cuisine, where puff pastry has always played a big role. My version is a modern take that shows just how flexible this classic dough can be.
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Winning combinations
With a hot soup as an appetizer, alongside champagne, or on a party platter – these twists look amazing anywhere. They complement other snacks perfectly and are usually the first thing my guests reach for. They're a true classic that never goes out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the sticks ahead of time?
They're best warm, but you can bake them early and reheat when folks arrive.
- → Which cheese melts best here?
Grab something that melts easy, like gouda or emmental. They bring big flavor too.
- → Is there a meat-free swap?
Skip the ham and toss in olives or bell peppers instead. Other veggies work too!
Conclusion
Get these cheesy ham pastry sticks made in a flash. Everyone loves these crunchy snacks for parties and buffets.