Irresistible Garlic Butter Puff Pastry Twists

Okay, let’s be real for a second. Is there any better smell in the world than garlic and butter melting together? I’m gonna go ahead and say no. Now imagine that magical mix all wrapped up in a flaky, golden, pull-apart puff pastry. These Garlic Butter Puff Pastry Twists are the appetizer hero we all need this holiday season. They’re the kind of thing that disappears from the platter in minutes, and you’ll be fielding recipe requests all night. Perfect for your Friendsgiving spread or as a last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving charcuterie board. Who’s ready to impress a crowd with almost zero effort?

Top Reasons To Make It

Honestly, I make these on repeat from November straight through the New Year, and it’s for a handful of really good reasons. First, they are unbelievably easy. We’re using store-bought puff pastry, which is the ultimate shortcut for a busy cook. Second, they feel fancy. Your guests will think you slaved away, but it’s our little secret. Third, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. I’ve never met a single soul who can resist that garlic-butter-parsley combo. And finally, they’re so versatile. Tuck them next to the turkey, add them to your holiday appetizer lineup, or just snack on them straight from the baking sheet. So good.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (look for an all-butter variety if you can, it makes a difference in flavor)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (this creates the rich, flavorful base for our garlic butter)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best here for that potent, aromatic punch)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (adds a bright, fresh herby note that cuts through the richness)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (balances and enhances all the other flavors)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (a little bit of spice to round it all out)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for a salty, savory, cheesy finish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a dream.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse right here.
3. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If you see any cracks, just pinch them together—no one will ever know.
4. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry sheet.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered pastry.
6. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry sheet vertically into 10-12 even strips.
7. Gently twist each strip several times and place it on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. They’ll puff up as they bake!
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and a beautiful, deep golden brown. Let them cool on the pan for just a few minutes before serving. They’re best when they’re still a little warm.

Variations & Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to make these your own! For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. If you’re out of fresh parsley, a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch. For a cheesy twist, swap the Parmesan for finely shredded sharp cheddar or even a smoked gouda. And if you’re dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter and skip the cheese—they’ll still be deliciously flaky and garlicky.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These twists are the ultimate supporting actor for all your holiday party food. They are a natural fit for a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving appetizer spread. I love to pile them high on a wooden board next to some cheeses, cured meats like smoked turkey, nuts, and fruit for an easy holiday charcuterie board. They’re also fantastic served alongside a big pot of soup or a hearty salad for a simple weeknight dinner. Honestly, they rarely make it off the baking sheet at my house because we just can’t help ourselves.

Oven Temperatures

Ovens can be sneaky, so here’s a quick guide. The sweet spot for these is a hot 400°F. If your oven runs hot and you’re worried about burning, you can drop it to 375°F and add a minute or two to the baking time. Just keep a close eye on them. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color. If you’re baking two sheets at once, rotate the pans halfway through to ensure even browning.

Storage & Reheating

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back that just-baked crispness, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. I don’t recommend the microwave, as it will make them soft and chewy. You can also freeze the unbaked twists on a parchment-lined sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, and pop the whole sheet pan in the fridge for a few hours. Just bake them right before your guests arrive.
• What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry? The safest way is to move it from the freezer to the fridge the night before you need it. If you’re short on time, you can leave it on the counter for about 30-40 minutes. You want it pliable but still cold to the touch.
• My twists didn’t puff up much. What happened? This usually means the pastry got too warm before baking. You want to work quickly and keep it cool. If the butter in the pastry melts before it hits the oven, it won’t create those beautiful flaky layers.
• Are these good for Christmas appetizers too? 100%! These Garlic Butter Puff Pastry Twists are a welcome addition to any holiday party food spread, from Thanksgiving straight through to New Year’s Eve.