Paprika crispy twists are a great garnish for soups and other dishes like salads. Take the time to make these irresistible cheese paprika twists. A guaranteed step up from the typical industrial bought crackers!
Servings: 8 pieces
Calories: 71kcal
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, 8 x 4 inches
- 1 medium egg yolk beat with 1.5 tbsp cold water, (egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika powder, medium spicy
- 3 ounces Comte cheese, grated
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F/230°C.
Make the twists:
- Put the puff pastry sheet flat on parchment paper over a cutting board and freeze for 5 minutes. Brush the whole top surface with egg wash. Place the paprika in a small sieve and dust all over. Sprinkle the grated cheese over top. Put back in the freezer for a few minutes if the dough becomes too soft. Cut into 8 regular strips of 1/2 inch by 8 inches. Take each strip and twist, then place back on the parchment paper set over a cookie sheet.
Bake the twists:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 7 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Paprika Crispy Twist with Comte Cheese
Creating these Paprika Crispy Twists with Comte Cheese is straightforward, but a few expert tips can make them even better:
- Chill the Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is easier to work with when it’s firm. After rolling it out, chill the pastry in the freezer for about 5 minutes. This keeps the pastry from becoming too soft, making it easier to cut and twist.
- Even Egg Wash Application: Brush a thin, even layer of egg wash over the surface of the pastry. This layer helps the paprika and cheese stick well and gives a nice golden finish. Be sure not to oversaturate, as too much egg wash can make the pastry heavy.
- Sift the Paprika for Even Coverage: Use a fine sieve to dust the paprika evenly. This technique ensures every twist gets an even, subtle spice without any clumping.
- Select High-Quality Comte Cheese: A well-aged Comte provides deeper flavors that complement the smoked paprika. Grate it finely so it melts quickly and creates a uniform texture on the twists.
- Twist Tightly for Extra Crispness: Twist each strip firmly but gently to prevent it from unraveling during baking. The tighter the twist, the crispier and more layered the texture will be.
- Watch the Bake Time Closely: Baking times can vary depending on the oven, so keep an eye on the twists after 7 minutes. Remove them as soon as they turn golden brown to avoid over-baking.
- Cool on a Rack for Extra Crispness: Transfer the twists to a cooling rack immediately after baking. This allows any residual steam to escape, preventing sogginess and ensuring that perfect crunch.
- Serve Warm for Best Flavor: These twists are at their best when served warm, as the cheese remains melty and aromatic. Reheat briefly in the oven if needed.
Snack Ideas to Elevate Your Culinary Game
Explore our YouTube channel for snack ideas and recipes that are quick, tasty, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet, or a bit of both, you’ll find a wide range of options. From cheesy twists and nutty bites to unique canapés, each recipe is designed to elevate your snack game. Check out all of our snack recipes here and dive into our YouTube channel for more delicious inspiration!
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