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Vermont Cheddar Cheese and Herbed Twists

3.5

(17)

Purchased puff pastry simplifies this flavorful starter. What to drink: Open a bottle of Champagne or Sancerre to pour with the cheese twists and the Corn and Lobster Chowder.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 36

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups finely grated sharp white cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Mix first 4 ingredients in small bowl.

    Step 2

    Roll out puff pastry on lightly floured work surface to 18x10-inch rectangle (pastry will be thin). Sprinkle 1/3 of cheese mixture evenly over half of pastry; fold plain half of pastry over cheese, forming 10x9-inch rectangle; press to adhere. Repeat 2 more times, rolling to 18x10-inch rectangle, sprinkling with 1/3 of cheese mixture, and folding. Roll out pastry again to 18x10-inch rectangle. Transfer to unlined baking sheet. Chill 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 425°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut pastry crosswise in half, forming two 10x9-inch rectangles. Trim and discard uneven edges of pastry. Cut each rectangle crosswise into scant 1/2-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip a few times and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch apart, dabbing ends lightly with water and pressing to adhere to parchment.

    Step 4

    Bake twists until golden brown, reversing position of sheets halfway through baking, about 10 minutes total. Cool twists on sheets. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover twists on sheets tightly with foil and store at room temperature. If desired, rewarm uncovered in 350°F oven until heated through, about 5 minutes.)

    Step 5

    Serve warm or at room temperature.

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