American·Appetizer
Apple & Sharp Cheddar Twist
A sweet and savory appetizer featuring caramelized apples and sharp cheddar cheese tucked inside buttery, flaky puff pastry and twisted into crispy snacks.
Prep
20m
Cook
25m
Total
60m
Serves
12
Method
- 01
Grate the apples into a bowl, stopping before you reach the seeds. Toss the grated apple with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
Watch · 0:23
- 02
Melt butter and brown sugar in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the grated apples and their juices. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the apples are browned and the excess moisture has evaporated. Transfer the mixture to a plate and chill in the refrigerator until completely cold.
Watch · 1:13
- 03
Unfold cold puff pastry sheets and cut them into rectangles if necessary. Spread the chilled apple mixture evenly over half of the pastry rectangles, then top with a layer of freshly grated sharp cheddar. Place the remaining pastry rectangles on top and press down firmly to seal.
Watch · 3:00
- 04
Transfer the assembled pastry sheets onto a pan and freeze for 10–15 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice each rectangle into even strips (about 6 strips per rectangle).
Watch · 4:12
- 05
Allow the strips to soften slightly until pliable. Pick up each strip and give it at least two full twists. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with more grated cheese and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
Watch · 4:47
- 06
Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply browned and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack immediately to cool completely and prevent a soggy bottom.
Watch · 5:58
From Chef John
“Sharp cheddar and apple is a culinary match made in heaven.”
“If you twist too soon and they're too firm the dough might crack which as everybody knows is whack.”
“You are after all the Oliver of your twist.”