• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizers
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Drinks/Cocktails
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Method
      • Crockpot
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Air Fryer
      • Casseroles
    • Season
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • European
      • Indian
      • Romanian
      • Mediterranean
      • Middle Eastern
      • American
    • Ingredient
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Beef
      • Seafood
      • Lamb
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Spices
    • Holiday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Thanksgiving
      • Game Day
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Father's Day
      • 4th Of July
      • Labor Day
      • Halloween
    • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
    • The Big Book of Jo’s Quick and Easy Meals
    • 30-Minute One-Pot Meals
  • Shop
  • About Jo
FREE recipe eBook!
Search...
All Recipes
Instant Pot
30 Minute
One Pot Meals
Soups
Dips & Dressings
Baking
Pasta
Sandwiches
Sides
Appetizers 30 Minutes or Less Vegetarian
4.3 from 9 votes

Parmesan Pesto Twists

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Delicious Parmesan Pesto Twists perfect for a snack or as an easy and impressive appetizer. 4 ingredients are all you need!

containers of parmesan pesto twists tipped over onto a wooden table

I’m so excited to share these awesome pesto twists made with puff pastry, store bought pesto, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese with all of my lovely readers today! You can definitely make your own pesto though, and you can find many pesto recipes here on Jo Cooks, I’ve made it and used it in various recipes. But to keep this recipe quick and simple, store bought pesto works just as great.

This is such a superb appetizer that’s quick and perfect for those occasions when you just found out company’s coming over and need something to serve them. Simply roll out your puff pastry, spread the pesto, sprinkle with cheese, cut into strips and twist. Sometimes I like to make these just to snack on them around the house, sue me!

What Is Pesto?

Pesto is an Italian sauce, one that doesn’t require hours of simmering or a laundry list of ingredients. A basic traditional pesto uses crushed garlic, pine nuts, basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. I’m telling you guys this because pesto is what’s going to pack all the flavor in our recipe today, it’s such a killer condiment whether you make it at home or pick  it up at the store! To make your own pesto check out my super simple recipe.

fresh cheese shredded for parmesan pesto twists

What Is Puff Pastry?

This is a light and flaky pastry that involves placing butter within the dough, rolling out the dough and folding it over itself repeatedly. This achieves thin light layers sandwiched with lots of melty butter once it has cooked. If you like pastry dough that is crisp, flaky, and melt in your mouth good then puff pastry is for you. It’s great for simple appetizers such as these pesto twists.

Ingredients

  • Pesto – I like to use store bought for this recipe as it’s quick and easy.
  • Puff pastry – Again I’m using store bought. In regards to puff pastry there’s really not much of a difference when it comes to quality between home made and store bought, so feel free to make things easier for yourself.
  • Parmesan – Freshly grated is a must! You should just keep a nice big hunk of this cheese ready to go in your fridge in case of emergencies.
  • Egg – One entire egg beaten to brush over our twists as egg was at the end.
process of making parmesan pesto twists

How To Make Parmesan Pesto Twists

  1. Preheat your oven: To 400 F degrees.
  2. Assemble the twists: Roll out the puff pastry sheet so that it’s about 15×12 inches on a floured work surface. Spread 1/2 cup of the pesto evenly over the puff pastry, you want to make sure it’s fully covered. Sprinkle half the parmesan cheese over the pesto.
  3. Prepare for baking: Cut into 1 inch strips. Fold each strip in half then pick it up and twist it a few times. Place the twists onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about an inch in between them. Repeat with remaining puff pastry sheet and remaining pesto and Parmesan cheese. Brush each twist with beaten egg.
  4. Finish the dish: Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
a pan of parmesan pesto twists ready to be baked in the oven

Can I Make My Own Pesto?

You definitely can, and as I always say, homemade is best. Using homemade pesto will totally take these twists out of orbit, and luckily for you I’ve got my favorite recipe for pesto here on the site.

What Can I Serve Alongside My Twists?

I mean it’s a crowd pleaser so if you’re making it for friends and family, pair it with some of your favorite finger foods! Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

  • Potato Croquettes
  • Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
  • Skillet Pizza Dip
  • Chimichurri Steak Quesadillas
  • Parmesan Chicken Strips

Make Ahead?

You definitely can and best of all it’s super easy to prep these! Just coat the twists in your egg wash and put them right in the freezer still uncooked on your baking sheet. Once they’ve frozen through, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and they’ll last for up to 1 month!

When ready to eat just pop these bad boys still frozen on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F degrees for 15 minutes and you’re set!

containers of parmesan pesto twists knocked over on a wooden table

More Must Try Recipes:

  • Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
  • Basil Pesto Risotto
  • Easy Sausage Pesto Ring
  • Parmesan Pesto Twists
  • Chicken Pesto Caprese Pasta
  • Roasted Red Pepper And Pecan Pesto Penne
  • Arugula And Walnut Pesto Pasta
  • Turkey Pesto Panini
  • Greek Chicken Pasta

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

side view shot of two metal buckets tipped over with parmesan pesto twists spilling out
Print
4.34 from 9 votes

Parmesan Pesto Twists

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 25 minutes
Rate Recipe
Delicious Parmesan Pesto Twists perfect for a snack or as an easy and impressive appetizer. 4 ingredients are all you need!
20

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets puff pastry
  • 1 cup pesto
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees.
  • Roll out the puff pastry sheet so that it’s about 15×12 inches on a floured work surface.
  • Spread 1/2 cup of the pesto evenly over the puff pastry, you want to make sure it’s fully covered.
  • Sprinkle half the parmesan cheese over the pesto.
  • Cut into 1 inch strips. Fold each strip in half then pick it up and twist it a few times. Place the twists onto an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about an inch in between them.
  • Repeat with remaining puff pastry sheet and remaining pesto and Parmesan cheese.
  • Brush each twist with beaten egg.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. I used pesto from a jar. You’re free to use your own homemade pesto.
  2. Other sauces such as marinara or red pesto will work for this recipe as well.
  3. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 161kcal (8%)Carbohydrates: 8g (3%)Protein: 4.4g (9%)Fat: 12.6g (19%)Saturated Fat: 3.4g (21%)Cholesterol: 15mg (5%)Sodium: 171mg (7%)Sugar: 0.9g (1%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

side view shot of two metal buckets tipped over with parmesan pesto twists spilling out

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!

Rate Recipe
Add Your Photo!
  • 134
Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
iPad showing title of ebook 30 recipes from around the world
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sherri
Sherri
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
These are so easy and delicious!

0
Reply

sidebar

Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
Collage of recipe ebooks
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

Pasta Favorites

baked mac and cheese in a black cast iron skillet.
45 mins

Baked Mac And Cheese

freshly made crack chicken penne with a wooden spoon in a skillet.
40 mins

Crack Chicken Penne

chicken pot pie pasta in a white serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon.
50 mins

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

freshly made one pot pasta in a dutch oven.
20 mins

One Pot Pasta

tomato spinach chicken pasta in a white bowl.
30 mins

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.
30 mins

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

baked feta pasta in a white bowl garnished with fresh basil.
50 mins

Baked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)

sideview shot of chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl with a fork inside
45 mins

Chicken Fajita Pasta

side close up shot of swedish meatball pasta in a beige braised garnished with parsley
30 mins

Swedish Meatball Pasta

overhead shot of a bowl of haluski
40 mins

Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)

A stack of cookbooks
Grab a copy!

My Cookbooks

Order Now: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Dinner Favorites

smothered pork chops in a skillet garnished with parsley.
1 hr 15 mins

Smothered Pork Chops

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet
30 mins

Salisbury Steak

beef lo mein in a black wok.
30 mins

Beef Lo Mein

side shot of beef and broccoli in a skillet
15 mins

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

skillet shepherd's pie in a cast iron skillet with a portion taken out.
1 hr 25 mins

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.
30 mins

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

side view shot of two italian stuffed peppers in a bowl
2 hrs 30 mins

Italian Stuffed Peppers

side view shot of a bowl with a scoop of spaghetti bolognese in it
40 mins

Spaghetti Bolognese

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
Visit our Other Site: Craving Home Cooked

Explore

Recipes
Cookbooks
About Jo
Contact

Legal

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
© 2023 Jo Cooks
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
wpDiscuz