The Ultimate Homemade Cheesy Twists Recipe That’s Family-Approved

Cheesy twists offer a delightful snack that enhances ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crispy, golden, and packed with savory goodness, these delectable treats tantalize taste buds with their irresistible texture.

Bakers and snack enthusiasts adore this versatile recipe that elevates simple dough into a crowd-pleasing comfort food.

The magic happens when basic pantry staples combine to create a mouthwatering experience that sparks joy in every bite.

Flaky layers and rich cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these twists an ideal companion for afternoon tea or a casual gathering.

You’ll find yourself craving these addictive morsels that bring warmth and excitement to any meal.

Pairing Homemade Cheesy Twists with Dips

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy these cheesy twists alongside a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the rich, buttery flavor and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Bold Red Dips: Serve with a zesty marinara sauce or a spicy chipotle aioli to complement the cheesy, savory notes of the twists and add an extra layer of excitement.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese curls and provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the snack.
• Enhance with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer that can stand up to the bold cheese flavor and cleanse the palate between bites of these crunchy, cheesy treats.

Homemade Cheesy Twists: Fun Variations to Try

• Spicy Jalapeño Crackers: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the dough for a kick of heat and extra flavor. The spicy peppers will create a zesty snack with a subtle burn.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Twists: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for an aromatic and sophisticated version. Fresh herbs will elevate the cheesy base with garden-fresh notes.
• Ranch-Seasoned Crunch: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the coating for a tangy, creamy profile. This variation brings the popular ranch flavor to your homemade cheese curls.
• Mediterranean Cheese Sticks: Blend in sun-dried tomato bits and crumbled feta cheese to give the twists a Mediterranean-inspired taste. Sprinkle with dried oregano for an authentic Greek touch.

Why Homemade Cheesy Twists Are a Family Favorite

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with sharp cheese and garlic, these homemade twists deliver a mouthwatering punch of savory goodness that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Texture Adventure: Crispy exterior meets tender interior, creating a delightful crunch that breaks perfectly with each bite, offering a satisfying textural experience.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into gourmet snacks in under an hour, making it ideal for spontaneous cravings or last-minute entertaining with minimal effort.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to adapt with different cheese types or seasonings, these cheese twists let home cooks unleash their creativity and personal flavor preferences in one simple, delicious recipe.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Twists

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that provides tender texture and deep flavor.
• Flour: Structural ingredient that helps bind the dough together.
• Cornmeal: Adds subtle crunch and rustic texture to the cheese twists.
• Shredded Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy cheese flavor directly into the dough.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the cheese twists.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, savory depth to the dough.

• Cheese Powders: Intense cheese flavor for external coating.
• Buttermilk Powder: Provides tangy, creamy notes to the coating.
• Cornstarch: Helps bind and distribute coating evenly.

• Parchment Paper or Silpat Liners: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps chill and shape the dough effectively.

How to Make Homemade Cheesy Twists

Step 1: Prepare Dough Mixture

• Butter
• Salt
• Garlic powder

• Flour
• Cornmeal
• Shredded cheese

Mix on low until firm dough forms.

Step 2: Chill Dough

Shape dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.

Step 3: Setup Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat liners.

Step 4: Shape Cheese Twists

Pinch small dough pieces and roll into lumpy logs, approximately 2 inches long and 1 inch wide using palms and fingers. Place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake Twists

Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until edges brown and surface loses shine. Cool completely on wire rack.

Step 6: Create Flavor Coating

• Cheese powders
• Buttermilk powder
• Salt
• Cornstarch

Blend for 10-15 seconds until well mixed.

Step 7: Coat Cheese Twists

Transfer coating to large zip-top bag. Add cooled cheese curls, seal, and gently shake to coat evenly.

Pro Tips for Homemade Cheesy Twists

• Chill Dough Properly: Refrigerate the dough for exactly 1 hour to ensure optimal texture and prevent spreading during baking.
• Roll Consistently: Use a gentle, light touch when forming logs to maintain a rustic, uneven shape that adds visual appeal and unique texture.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify the exact 350F temperature for perfect browning and even baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow twists to cool entirely on the wire rack to develop a crisp exterior and prevent sogginess.
• Coating Technique: Shake the bag gently and thoroughly to ensure an even, complete coating of the powdered cheese mixture on each twist.

Storing and Reheating Homemade Cheesy Twists

• Refrigeration: Store cooled cheese twists in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain crispness and prevent staleness.
• Room Temperature Preservation: For short-term storage, place cheese twists in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the container is completely dry to prevent softening.
• Reheating Method: Restore crunchiness by warming twists in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating and crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the twists soggy and lose their delightful crunch.

Homemade Cheesy Twists Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Cheesy Twists bring Italian pizzeria magic straight to kitchen counters. Savory parmesan and herbs dance together in crispy, golden pastry spirals that offer a delightful crunch you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (4 ¼ ounces / 120 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded (about 1 cup)
• 4 tablespoons (2 ounces / 57 grams) chilled unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes

Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tablespoons Cheddar Cheese powder (preferably King Arthur Vermont White Cheddar Powder)
• ½ tablespoon Penzeys Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle
• ½ teaspoon buttermilk powder

Salt and Stabilizing Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons yellow cornmeal

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Instructions

1. Prepare the butter mixture by creaming unsalted butter with salt and garlic powder using a stand mixer’s paddle attachment, blending for 1-2 minutes until smooth and thoroughly combined.
2. Gradually incorporate flour, cornmeal, and shredded cheese into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive, firm dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a compact disc, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 60 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and the dough to firm up.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
5. Remove chilled dough and gently pinch off small portions, rolling them between palms to create rustic, uneven logs approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) long and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide.
6. Arrange the dough logs on prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown and the surface loses its glossy appearance.
8. Transfer baked cheese twists to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Create the coating by pulverizing cheese powders, buttermilk powder, salt, and cornstarch in a spice grinder or mini food processor for 10-15 seconds until uniformly blended.
10. Place cooled cheese twists into a large zip-top bag, pour in the prepared coating mixture, seal, and gently shake to ensure even, thorough coverage.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to develop a rich, buttery texture and make shaping easier.
• Roll dough pieces quickly and loosely to create rustic, uneven cheese twists with maximum crunch.
• Watch carefully during baking to achieve golden edges without overcooking, which can make twists dry.
• Use a spice grinder for ultra-fine coating powder that adheres perfectly to the warm cheese curls.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Experiment with different cheese powders to customize flavor profile and create unique variations.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 135 kcal
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg