Irresistibly Crispy Gruyère, Sage & Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists: The Perfect Savory Appetizer
There’s a special joy in baking savory treats, especially when they come together with minimal effort and deliver maximum flavor impact. This particular recipe for Gruyère, Sage & Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists is precisely that kind of culinary gem. As the festive season draws near, having a repertoire of impressive yet simple recipes is invaluable, and these delightful twists are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They combine the rich nuttiness of Gruyère, the aromatic crispness of fried sage, and the salty savoriness of prosciutto, all encased in flaky puff pastry – a true symphony of textures and tastes.
These elegant appetizers might look sophisticated, but their preparation is remarkably straightforward, thanks to the convenience of ready-made puff pastry. While the idea of crafting homemade puff pastry can be tempting for those with an “Ina Garten” spirit and an abundance of time, let’s be realistic: the holiday season is often a whirlwind. Opting for store-bought puff pastry saves significant time and effort without compromising on the delicious, buttery flakiness that makes these twists so appealing. If you do decide to embark on the journey of making your own, be sure to account for the additional time required for chilling and folding – it’s a labor of love!
In a world of countless cheese and meat combinations, I was determined to introduce an herbaceous element to provide a fresh, balancing contrast. My inspiration struck while listening to the fantastic Home Cooking podcast, where Samin Nosrat shared a brilliant technique: transforming fresh sage leaves into a delicate, crispy powder. The process is surprisingly simple and yields incredible results. To achieve this, you merely need to heat a good amount of vegetable oil in a pan to the right temperature (around 360°F or 180°C). Drop in your fresh sage leaves, and watch them fry for approximately 20 seconds, or until the bubbling subsides and they turn vibrant green and crisp. Once removed, let them dry on a paper towel, and they’ll become wonderfully brittle, perfect for crumbling over these twists or many other dishes. For those who prefer to avoid frying, finely chopping fresh sage leaves is a perfectly acceptable alternative that still infuses the pastry with its distinctive aroma.
Essential Ingredients for Your Savory Twists
Crafting these delectable Gruyère, Sage & Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists requires just a handful of high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture that defines this appetizer. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Puff Pastry: The cornerstone of this recipe! For those opting for convenience, a 350g sheet of ready-made puff pastry is ideal. Remember to take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you plan to use it. This allows it to reach room temperature, making it more pliable and preventing cracks when you roll and twist it. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor.
- Gruyère Cheese: As someone from Switzerland, I admit a slight bias, but Gruyère truly is one of the finest cheeses for savory baking. Its rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, combined with its excellent melting qualities, makes it perfect for these twists. I often buy pre-grated Gruyère for ease, but freshly grating a block will always deliver superior freshness. If Gruyère isn’t available or you prefer a different profile, consider sharp cheddar, Emmental, or even a good quality Parmesan for a different twist.
- Sage Leaves: The aromatic hero! Approximately 8 fresh sage leaves are sufficient for frying into crispy bits, which offer a delightful textural contrast and an intense, earthy flavor. If you’re not frying, finely chop about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh sage. Other complementary herbs like thyme or rosemary could also be used, though sage provides a unique depth.
- Prosciutto: My absolute favorite cured ham for this recipe. This thinly sliced, salty, and slightly sweet Italian ham is perfect for wrapping around each twisted pastry. As it bakes, it crisps up beautifully, adding another layer of texture and savory depth. If prosciutto is hard to find, other thinly sliced cured meats like speck or even a very thin, good quality smoked ham can work as substitutes.
- Kosher Salt: A touch of coarse salt sprinkled on the pastry enhances all the other flavors and adds a subtle crunch.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying the sage leaves to crispy perfection. Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil will do.
- Egg Wash: A single whisked egg is brushed over the pastry to give it a beautiful golden-brown sheen and help seal in the fillings during baking.
Recipe
Gruyère, Sage & Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists
Ella Gilbert
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Ingredients
- 8 sage leaves, fresh
- 350 grams ready-made puff pastry
- 12 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 105 grams Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 480 ml vegetable oil, for frying sage
- 1 large egg, whisked for egg wash
Instructions
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To prepare the crispy sage, pour the vegetable oil into a deep saucepan and heat it to 360°F (approximately 180°C). Carefully drop in the fresh sage leaves and allow them to fry for about 20 seconds, or until they stop bubbling and become noticeably crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sage leaves and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool and completely dry, they will be super crisp; gently crumble them into a small bowl and set aside.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your sheet of puff pastry. Brush the entire surface evenly with a thin layer of the whisked egg wash. Generously sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the egg-washed pastry, followed by the ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and the crumbled crispy sage. Use a rolling pin to gently press the cheese and sage into the pastry, ensuring they adhere well. Fold the pastry sheet in half, aligning the edges. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the folded pastry into 12 even strips. Carefully take each strip and gently twist it several times to create a spiraled effect, ensuring the cheese and sage are encased. Don’t worry if a little cheese escapes – that’s perfectly normal!
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For each twisted pastry strip, take one slice of prosciutto and carefully wrap it tightly around the twist, starting from one end and spiraling down. Once all twists are wrapped, arrange them on the prepared baking trays. Brush the tops of each prosciutto-wrapped twist again with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with a little extra kosher salt for added flavor and visual appeal.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and the prosciutto is deliciously crispy. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Twists
Achieving perfectly golden and crispy puff pastry twists is simpler than you might think with a few key tips. Firstly, ensure your puff pastry is at a manageable temperature – slightly chilled but not too cold, which can cause it to crack, nor too warm, which makes it sticky and hard to handle. Lightly flouring your work surface is crucial for preventing sticking without making the pastry tough. When pressing the cheese and sage into the pastry with a rolling pin, be firm but gentle; you want to embed the fillings without tearing the delicate layers of dough. Finally, don’t overcrowd your baking sheets, as this can lead to uneven baking and prevent the twists from getting truly crispy.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
These Gruyère, Sage & Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists are incredibly versatile. They make an ideal appetizer for holiday gatherings, a sophisticated snack for an evening in, or even a delightful accompaniment to a light soup or salad. For a simple yet elegant presentation, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or a dusting of paprika. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine, a light sparkling cider, or even a robust craft beer.
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is a fantastic canvas for experimentation! Consider these delicious variations:
- Cheese Swaps: Instead of Gruyère, try sharp cheddar for a more familiar flavor, provolone for a milder Italian twist, or even a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for extra saltiness.
- Herb Alternatives: If sage isn’t your preference, fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped, would also be excellent. A pinch of dried oregano could also add a Mediterranean flair.
- Spice It Up: Add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the cheese and sage.
- Meat Variations: While prosciutto is a star, thinly sliced ham, turkey, or even a vegetarian option with sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions could be explored.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
One of the best features of these puff pastry twists is their make-ahead potential, which is a blessing during busy periods. You can assemble the twists up to the point of baking, arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets, and then cover them loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge about 15-20 minutes beforehand to take the chill off, then brush with egg wash and bake as directed. Baked twists are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply looking for an elegant yet easy snack, these Gruyère, Sage & Prosciutto Puff Pastry Twists are sure to impress. Their golden, flaky layers, combined with the savory, aromatic filling, create an unforgettable bite that will have everyone reaching for more. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious treats, and savor every moment!