Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists: Flaky, Cheesy, and Full of Flavour
There’s nothing quite like a snack that’s crisp, golden, and bursting with flavour, and these Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists deliver just that. Flaky puff pastry is layered with roasted peppers, mozzarella, cream cheese, and briny olives, then twisted into irresistible spirals that are perfect for sharing or snacking on your own. They’re ideal for lunchboxes, casual dinners, parties, or as a make-ahead snack, and each bite combines crisp pastry with a savoury filling for maximum satisfaction.
If you love puff pastry, my cookbook Everything is Better with Puff Pastry is already out in the US and Canada and will be available internationally in mid-January. If you haven’t got your copy yet, you can grab it here! It’s packed with 60 creative, flavourful puff pastry recipes you’ll fall in love with.
While you’re here, why not try other fan favourites like Broccolini Tomato Puff Bites, Salmon Puff Pastry Cups, or
Avocado Mousse and Salmon Tartare Vol-au-Vent for more quick, fun, and delicious bites that are just as easy to make.
Scroll down or tap ‘Jump to Recipe’ to dive straight into this simple yet impressive puff pastry treat.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours
What makes these twists so special is the combination of simple, fresh ingredients treated with care:
Puff pastry : Ready-rolled puff pastry makes this recipe quick and accessible, baking into golden, flaky layers every time. For a different twist, try my Pesto Twists or Twisted Garlic Puffs for more puff pastry ideas.
Cream cheese and mozzarella : Cream cheese adds richness and moisture, while mozzarella gives that irresistible gooey texture. If you love layered cheese, check out my Cheesy Pesto Puff Buns for another cheesy favourite.
Roasted peppers : Sweet and slightly smoky, they balance the cheese beautifully. You can experiment with sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for a flavour twist, and if you love roasted peppers, make sure to try my Delicious Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Dip Recipe.
Olives : Sliced olives add a salty, tangy kick that elevates the pastry to snack perfection.
Every ingredient plays a role in creating layers of flavour and texture, making this dish more than just a snack, it’s an experience.
How to Make Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists
Roll and Layer the Pastry
Preheat your oven to 200 °C / 400 °F (convection) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle about 24 x 36 cm (9½ x 14¼ in) and cut it into four equal parts.
Place the first piece on a clean surface and spread 1 tbsp of cream cheese evenly on top. Arrange the roasted pepper slices over it,
then cover with the second piece of pastry. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on this layer,
then cover with the third piece of pastry. Spread the remaining cream cheese and top with the sliced olives. Finally, cover with the last piece of pastry.
Cut and Shape the Twists
Cut the layered pastry into 8–9 strips, each about 2 cm (¾ in) wide.
Gently stretch each strip slightly, then twist it 3–4 times. Place the twists onto the prepared baking tray.
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk together, then brush the mixture over each twist. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or crispy sesame salt for a golden, crunchy topping.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the twists for about 15 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and crisp. Let them cool slightly before serving.
These twists are perfect served with dips such as garlic yogurt (just mix a bit of yogurt with garlic granules, salt, and chopped coriander).
Scroll down to the full printable recipe with exact measurements.
Helpful Tips
- Here are some useful tips to get the best results with your Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists:
- Always use cold puff pastry, this keeps the layers flaky and prevents sticking. If it warms up too much, pop it back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes.
- Twist gently, stretching the strips too much can tear the pastry. A gentle twist of 3–4 turns works perfectly.
- For a crunchy topping, sesame seeds or crispy sesame salt are ideal, but poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning also work beautifully.
- Experiment with fillings like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms to create different flavour combinations.
Why We Love Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists
These twists are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly irresistible. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet roasted peppers, and briny olives wrapped in golden puff pastry is satisfying and versatile. They’re quick to prepare, fun to assemble, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.
If you enjoy this recipe, don’t miss other puff pastry favourites on my website, like Easy Puff Pastry Quiches, Tomato & Boursin Puff Tartlets, and Date Cinnamon Buns.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists are ideal for parties, casual lunches, or cozy nights in. They’re easy to make ahead, travel well, and cater to vegetarian diets. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or as an indulgent snack, these twists hit the perfect balance of crisp, cheesy, and flavour-packed.
Scroll down for the full printable recipe card with precise measurements
Instagram Tutorial & More
Want to see these twists come to life? Watch our quick video on Instagram, and don’t miss other puff pastry favourites like:
- Cottage Cheese Tomato Puffs
- Blueberry, Banana & Nutella Puffs
- Dates in a Blanket
- Cheesy Chicken and Courgette Rolls
- Cheesy Pesto Tomato Puffs
- Cheesy Pesto Puff Squares
Happy baking,
Izabella
Description
These Cheesy Pepper Olive Twists are golden, crispy, and packed with flavour. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled with creamy cheese, sweet roasted peppers, gooey mozzarella, and briny olives, then twisted into irresistible little bites. Perfect as a snack, party appetizer, or a fun addition to any lunch spread. They bake up beautifully in just 15 minutes and pair wonderfully with a simple dip like garlic yogurt or your favourite sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F on convection mode and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 24 x 36 cm (9½ x 14¼ inches) and cut it into 4 equal rectangles. Place one rectangle on a clean surface and spread 1 tbsp cream cheese evenly, then top with roasted pepper slices. Cover with the second rectangle and sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top. Place the third rectangle, spread the remaining cream cheese, and top with sliced olives. Finally, cover with the last rectangle.
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Slice the layered pastry into 8–9 strips, each about 2 cm (¾ inch) wide. Gently stretch each strip slightly, twist it 3–4 times, and arrange the twists on the prepared baking tray. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and milk and brush this mixture over the twists. Sprinkle generously with crispy sesame salt or sesame seeds.
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Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the twists are golden and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve with your favourite dip, such as a simple garlic yogurt dip made by mixing plain yogurt with garlic granules, a pinch of salt, and chopped coriander.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 9 ServingCalories:245.48kcalTotal Fat:17.42gCholesterol:23.97mgSodium:148.38mgPotassium:42.25mgTotal Carbohydrate:17.88gDietary Fiber: 0.64gSugars: 0.67gProtein:4.53gVitamin A: 32.66IUVitamin C: 6.95mgCalcium: 41.01mgIron: 1.18mgVitamin D: 0.12IUVitamin E: 0.38IUVitamin K: 6.52mcgVitamin B6: 0.02mgVitamin B12: 0.17mcgPhosphorus: 53.81mgMagnesium: 8.17mgZinc: 0.42mg
Note
- Use cold puff pastry straight from the fridge for best results. Warming it too much can make it sticky and harder to twist.
- Jarred roasted peppers work perfectly, but if using fresh, roast them until soft and slightly caramelised for maximum flavour.
- For an extra cheesy twist, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or your favourite hard cheese between the layers.
- When twisting the strips, don’t over-stretch; a gentle pull is enough to create the signature spiral without tearing the pastry.
- Egg wash helps the twists achieve a glossy, golden finish, but you can brush with milk only if you prefer a lighter colour.
- These twists are best served warm, but they also keep well at room temperature for a few hours, making them ideal for parties.
- Experiment with fillings: try sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for a savoury variation.
- For a crunchy topping, crispy sesame salt or sesame seeds are ideal, but poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning also work beautifully.
