Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to a 12×14 inch rectangle.
2. Add the first layer
   Brush the entire surface of the pastry with half of the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with half of the Parmesan, half of the Gruyère, and half of the seasonings (garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne if using, and black pepper).
3. Fold and add the second layer
   Fold the pastry in half (along the shorter side) to create a 12×7 inch rectangle. Press down gently to seal. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and seasonings.
4. Cut and twist
   Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry crosswise into approximately 1/2-inch wide strips. Pick up each strip by the ends and twist in opposite directions to create a spiral. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each.
5. Apply egg wash
   Brush each twist lightly with the egg wash for a golden finish. Press down the ends slightly onto the baking sheet to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
6. Bake to perfection
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the twists are puffed and golden brown. Some cheese may bubble and crisp on the baking sheet – this adds extra flavor!
7. Cool and serve
   Allow the cheese twists to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. They're best enjoyed warm but are also delicious at room temperature.