Yield: 10–12 twists
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes (optional)
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

For the pastry

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water

Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) sliced ham, chopped
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Topping (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley
• Everything bagel seasoning

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Mix together:

• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Ham
• Bell pepper
• Green onions
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper

Stir until evenly combined.

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Step 2: Prepare pastry

Lightly flour your work surface.

Roll each puff pastry sheet into approximately:
10 × 12 inches (25 × 30 cm).

Spread half the filling evenly over one pastry sheet.

Place the second pastry sheet on top, gently pressing to seal.

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Step 3: Cut strips

Using a pizza cutter, slice into strips about:

• 1½ inches (4 cm) wide

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Step 4: Twist

Take each strip.

Twist it 3–4 times while gently stretching.

Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Leave about 2 inches between each twist.

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Step 5: Egg wash

Beat:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Brush generously over each twist.

Sprinkle with:

• Parmesan
• Everything seasoning (optional)

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Step 6: Bake

Bake at:

400°F (200°C)

for 20–25 minutes, or until:

• Deep golden brown
• Crispy and flaky
• Cheese is bubbling

Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Keep puff pastry cold for the flakiest layers.
• Don’t overfill or the filling may leak out.
• Chill assembled twists for 10–15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
• Rotate the baking tray halfway through for even browning.

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Variations

Chicken Bacon Ranch

• Cooked chicken
• Bacon
• Mozzarella
• Ranch seasoning

Pizza Style

• Pepperoni
• Mozzarella
• Pizza sauce
• Italian herbs

Spinach & Feta

• Cooked spinach (well-drained)
• Feta
• Mozzarella

Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Cheddar

Vegetarian

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Bell peppers
• Mozzarella

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Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

• Freeze baked twists for up to 2 months.

Reheat

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
• Air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate, per twist)

• Calories: 270
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Calcium: 180 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them, refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours, then egg wash and bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes. Freeze the assembled twists on a baking tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5–8 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes. The result will be softer and more bread-like rather than light and flaky.

Q: What cheeses work best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or provolone all work well.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Use a moderate amount of filling, press the pastry together gently before cutting, and keep the pastry cold before baking.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, checking frequently, as cooking times vary by model.