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5.0 from 9 votes

4-ingredient Cheese Twists With Pesto (Supermarket Copycat)

Super easy puff pastry cheese twists filled with pesto and oozy cheese - just like the ones from your local supermarket. Delicious warm from the oven, and you only need 4 simple pantry ingredients to make them!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 7 (to 8) large twists per pastry sheet
Calories: 353 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

  • 11 ounces puff pastry (I use 2 square sheets 9.5 x 9.5 inches, but 1 larger rectangular one is OK too)
  • 4 tablespoons pesto homemade or store bought
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or any kind of cheese
  • 1 egg whisked, for brushing (milk works too)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C / 355F.
  2. Lay one of the pastry sheets on a floured board or work surface.
  3. Spread with the pesto, then sprinkle over most of the cheese.
  4. Place the second sheet of pastry over the top and smooth down with your hands.
  5. Cut the pastry into 7 to 8 equal strips (about 3 to 4cm wide).
  6. Hold each strip at both ends and twist into a corkscrew, then lay each twist on a large baking tray, leaving a small space between each.
  7. Brush each twist with a little whisked egg (or milk). Sprinkle with the leftover cheese.
  8. Bake for 20 – 22 minutes or until puffed up and golden.

Notes

  • I usually use 2 square sheets of store bought puff pastry, about 9.5 x 9.5 inches (or 24 x 24 cm). 
  • This is only because this is what I usually find in the supermarket where I live. I've also successfully used larger rectangular sheets (about 300 grams in weight). In this case I simply spread the pesto and cheese over just half of the pastry and then fold it over like a book. 
  • Cheese twists are very adaptable! Use pesto and cheese, just cheese (any kind), parmesan cheese and finely chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs and salt and pepper... The list goes on!
  • Cheese straws freeze really well. 
  • Freeze them uncooked on a baking tray before transferring to food bags. Then cook as normal (from frozen if you like), adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
  • Alternatively, freeze already cooked and then reheat in a 180C/355F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Or defrost and reheat for about 20 seconds in a microwave or 2 to 3 minutes or in an air fryer (160C/320F) for a quick no-fuss snack. An air fryer works particular well as the cheese twists will crisp up again.
  • Cheese twists make perfect after school snacks, lunch box treats and picnic foods. They are also great as part of a simple-but-fancy lunch, dipped into this delicious Instant Pot tomato soup (don't worry, you can make it on the stovetop if you prefer). 

Nutrition Information

Calories 353kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 41mg (14%) Sodium 300mg (13%) Potassium 52mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 368IU (7%) Calcium 138mg (14%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 7(to 8) large twists per pastry sheet

Amount Per Serving

Calories 353

% Daily Value*

Calories 353kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 41mg 14%
Sodium 300mg 13%
Potassium 52mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 368IU 7%
Calcium 138mg 14%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.