Gruyere Cheese Twists Torsades Au Fromage Recipe

This recipe for savory cheese twists is my absolute favorite because it combines the rich, nutty flavors of Gruyere and Parmesan with the delightful crunch of baked puff pastry. Plus, the hint of smoked paprika and garlic makes every bite irresistibly delicious and perfect for impressing friends at any casual hangout or fancy brunch!

What I adore is how the marriage of flavors comes to life in these Gruyère Cheese Twists, or Torsades au Fromage. Using a puff pastry sheet as the base, the richness of grated Gruyère and Parmesan not only delivers the kind of cheesy goodness you expect with something that has “cheese” in the name, but also, uh, I don’t want to say too much, or I’ll give it away, but let’s just say it adds a kind of depth and intensity to the flavor profile that makes these quite the fancy snack to serve with cocktails.

They come together easily, use very few ingredients, and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Gruyere Cheese:
Nuts provide ample protein and calcium, which endow them with a richly nutty flavor.

Parmesan Cheese:
Contributes umami and depth; rich in calcium.

Puff Pastry:
Rich in carbohydrates, it yields a buttery, flaky texture.

Dijon Mustard:
Pungent, offers a touch of spice, slim on calories.

Smoked Paprika:
Imparts a rich, smoky flavor and a bright color.

Egg:
Delivers protein, moisture, and aids in browning.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to eliminate any creases.

3. In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg and Dijon mustard, mixing until they are well amalgamated.

4. Evenly brush the mixture of egg and mustard over the surface of the puff pastry.

5. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over half of the pastry sheet, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the Gruyere.

6. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and sprinkle it evenly over the cheese.

7. Gently press down on the cheese-covered half of the pastry to seal it. Then fold the half without cheese over the cheese-covered half.

8. With a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips approximately 1 inch wide.

9. Take each strip and give it a good twisting, several times. Then arrange the twists on the baking sheet, making sure there’s space enough between each one that they won’t stick together as they bake.

10. Place in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the twists are a golden brown and nice and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Small bowl (2 needed)
6. Pastry brush
7. Knife or pizza cutter
8. Measuring spoons
9. Cheese grater

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly, you may substitute Gruyere with Emmental or any other well-melting cheese. Just be aware that the flavor might alter a little.
• Can I make these twists in advance? Yes, you can prepare them up to the baking step and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for best results.
• How do I store leftover twists?Keep them in an air-tight container at loose-lid room temp for 2 days max. Heat in a regular oven for a few minutes if you want to re-crisp.
• Can I freeze the cheese twists? Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for the best texture.
• What can I serve with these Gruyere Cheese Twists?They go perfectly with soups and salads, and work equally well as a standalone snack.
• Is there a way to make these twists spicier?Include a small amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give a spicy kick.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute Emmental or Comté cheese for the Gruyere cheese.
If Parmesan cheese is unavailable, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago as substitutes.
Whole grain mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard for more textured flavor.
In the absence of smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or a small amount of ground chipotle powder.
Granulated garlic or a small quantity of fresh garlic, minced very finely, can take the place of garlic powder.

Pro Tips

1. For extra crispiness, chill the pastry twists in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes after shaping and before baking. This helps the puff pastry maintain its structure during baking.

2. To enhance the flavor, sprinkle a little bit of finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or chives over the cheese before folding the pastry.

3. When brushing the egg and mustard mixture, make sure to go right to the edges of the pastry to ensure an even coating and better adhesion of the cheese.

4. Use a ruler to cut even strips of pastry for more consistent baking and presentation. This ensures each twist cooks evenly.

5. If you like some heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the smoked paprika and garlic powder mixture for an extra kick.