Pesto Puff Pastry Twists are flaky, homemade puff pastry twists layered with basil pesto and Parmesan cheese. This easy, from-scratch appetizer recipe is perfect for parties, snacking, or serving alongside soups and salads.
These Pesto Puff Pastry Twists are one of my favorite quick appetizers when I want something that looks impressive without a lot of effort. Puff pastry does all the heavy lifting, turning a few simple ingredients into crisp, golden twists.
The combination of herby pesto and salty Parmesan baked into buttery pastry is hard to beat. Every bite is crisp, savory, and full of classic flavor.
I love that these can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving. They’re a nice gourmet twist on a traditional breadstick. That makes them ideal for entertaining, especially when oven space and timing matter.
Serve them warm and watch them disappear. They’re simple, delicious, and always a hit.
What I Love About This Recipe
- I love how easy these are to make with store-bought puff pastry. There’s no dough mixing or rising, just roll, layer, twist, and bake. That makes them perfect for busy days or last-minute guests. They feel gourmet without the stress.
- The flavor is bold and satisfying. The pesto brings fresh, herby notes while the Parmesan adds salty richness. Together they bake into the pastry beautifully. Every straw has great flavor from end to end.
- These straws are incredibly versatile. They work as a party appetizer, a snack, or a side for soups and salads. I’ve even served them on a cheese board with great success. They fit into so many menus.
- I also love how well they hold their shape and texture. Even as they cool, they stay crisp and tasty. That makes them great for serving over a longer period of time.
Equipment You May Need
- Baking Sheet – Used to bake the straws evenly.
- Parchment Paper – Optional, but helps prevent sticking.
- Rolling Pin – Helps roll the puff pastry evenly.
- Spatula – Makes spreading the pesto easy.
- Plastic Wrap – Used to cover the straws while chilling.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Pesto Puff Pastry Twists Ingredients
- Olive Oil – Optional, for greasing baking sheets if not using parchment.
- Flour – Used to dust the work surface when rolling pastry.
- Puff Pastry – Thawed according to package directions for best results.
- Basil Pesto – Adds bold, fresh herb flavor. Or can use your favorite pesto, such as this homemade Cilantro Pesto.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, savory richness and helps bind the layers.
How to Make Pesto Puff Pastry Twists
Step One: Grease the Pans
Lightly grease two baking sheets with olive oil or line them with parchment paper.
Step Two: Roll Out the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheets. Roll each sheet into a 12-inch-by-12-inch square. Cut each square in half so you have four rectangles total.
Step Three: Spread the Pesto and Cheese
Using a spatula, spread the pesto evenly over two of the pastry pieces, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pesto. Top with the remaining pastry pieces and press lightly around the edges to seal.
Step Four: Make the Straws
Cut each layered pastry into 1-inch-wide strips to make 24 total straws. Gently twist each strip and pinch the ends to seal. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
Step Five: Refrigerate the Straws
Lightly cover the straws with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until cold.
Step Six: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
Step Seven: Bake the Straws
Remove the baking sheets from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly, then serve warm.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
- Pair with soup (like these Italian soups) or salad (like a Caesar salad) for a light lunch.
- Add to a cheese or antipasto board. Pairs well with pasta and Italian dishes.
- Also, a great savory dish for breakfast or brunch.
- Easy enough for a weeknight dinner and gourmet enough for the holidays, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Chill the straws before baking so they hold their shape.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Watch closely near the end so they don’t over-brown.
- You can make the twists smaller into mini straws by cutting them in half. You may need to reduce baking time.
- Be sure to use a good-quality puff pastry and not phyllo dough.
Pesto Puff Pastry Twists FAQ
How should I store Pesto Puff Pastry Twists?
Store cooled straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze Pesto Puff Pastry Twists?
You can freeze the unbaked twisted straws for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. I can’t guarantee results once baked and frozen.
How long will Pesto Puff Pastry Twists last?
They’re best the day they’re baked, but still tasty for a couple of days when stored properly.
Substitutions?
You can use cilantro pesto or another favorite pesto instead of basil pesto.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Low-fat puff pastry or cheese is not recommended. I can’t guarantee the same texture or flavor.
What else can I add to this recipe?
A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or garlic powder adds extra kick. A little lemon zest with the pesto would give these twists a little freshness.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – Use vegan puff pastry, dairy-free pesto, and dairy-free cheese.
Vegetarian – These twists are vegetarian.
Low-Carb – This recipe is not low carb.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free puff pastry if available.
Other Appetizer Recipes You May Enjoy
- Mini Pretzel Rolls – Easy snack or appetizer with premade dough.
- Crab Rangoon Crostini – Fun twist on the Chinese appetizer.
- Gougères – Simple French cheese puffs!
Hope you enjoy this Pesto Puff Pastry Twists recipe. Tell me in the comments if you made any changes!
If you like pesto you may also like this Pesto Alfredo and Pesto Pasta Salad!
Pesto Puff Pastry Twists
Ingredients
- 17 ounce package puff pastry 2 sheets
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Roll out each to a 12-inch square. Cut each square in half.
- With a spatula or spoon, spread the pesto evenly on two of the pieces of pastry, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edges. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pesto. Top with the remaining two pieces of pastry, pressing lightly aroudn the edges to seal.
- Cut each pastry into 1-inch-wide strips, making 24 straws total. Gently twist each strip, and pinch the ends to seal. Place each on the prepared baking sheets leaving a little room between each.
- Lightly cover the straws with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until cold.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Remove the straws from the refrigerator and remove plastic wrap. Bake twists at 400 degrees F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- Be sure to seal the ends of the strips well so that the two pieces of each straw don’t separate while baking.
- Instead of basil pesto, you can use your favorite kind of store-bought or homemade pesto.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
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