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Chorizo and Manchego Twists Recipe

Chorizo and Manchego Twists Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade Chorizo and Manchego Twists with perfectly flaky pastry. This easy baking recipe combines authentic Spanish flavors with foolproof puff pastry techniques for the best savory appetizer. The combination of smoky chorizo and sharp Manchego cheese creates an irresistible snack perfect for entertaining.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
24 twists
An overhead shot showcases golden-brown Chorizo and Manchego Twists arranged on a rustic terracotta serving platter, with several pieces broken to reveal the vibrant red chorizo and melted cheese layers within the flaky pastry. Soft natural light highlights the glossy egg-washed exterior and crisp, multi-layered edges. In the background, a small bowl of smoked paprika adds a pop of color, while scattered fresh thyme sprigs and a glass of Spanish rioja complete the Mediterranean scene. The close-up details capture both the delicate, buttery layers of the pastry and the savory filling that oozes slightly at the edges.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">375g ready-rolled puff pastry (2 sheets)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g Spanish chorizo, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g Manchego cheese, grated (or Pecorino Romano)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp smoked paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 egg, beaten</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife or pizza cutter</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is crucial for achieving that perfect puff in your pastry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Remove the chorizo casing if necessary and dice it into very small pieces. The finer you chop the chorizo, the more evenly it will distribute through your twists. If your chorizo is quite fatty, you can briefly sauté it for 2-3 minutes to render some fat and intensify the flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Unroll your first sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, keeping it on its parchment if it comes with one. Ensure it's at cool room temperature - too cold and it will crack, too warm and it will become sticky and difficult to work with. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Sprinkle half the diced chorizo evenly over the pastry sheet, followed by half the grated Manchego cheese, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half the thyme leaves. The oils from the chorizo will infuse into the pastry as it bakes, creating wonderful flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Gently press the toppings into the pastry with the palm of your hand to help them adhere. This prevents the filling from falling out during the twisting process. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top, lining up the edges as best you can. Use a rolling pin to lightly roll over the top, sealing the two sheets together with the filling sandwiched between. The gentle pressure helps bonds the layers without compressing the pastry too much. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim any uneven edges, then cut the pastry into approximately 12 strips, each about 2cm wide. Clean cuts are important - avoid dragging the knife through the pastry as this can seal the edges and prevent proper rising. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Take each strip and twist it several times, holding each end and rotating in opposite directions. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3cm between each as they will expand during baking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture lightly over each twist - this will give them a beautiful golden shine during baking. The protein in the egg creates a glossy finish while helping to seal in moisture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Sprinkle each twist with a small pinch of sea salt flakes, which will enhance all the flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown. Rotate the trays halfway through cooking for even browning. Look for a rich golden color and crisp texture - the layers should be clearly visible. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4> Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly so the twists hold their shape better. Serve warm or at room temperature. If making ahead, you can reheat in a 160°C oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Chorizo and Manchego Twists Recipe?

The main ingredients are puff pastry, Spanish chorizo, Manchego cheese, smoked paprika, fresh thyme leaves, egg, milk, and sea salt flakes. The chorizo adds smokiness while the Manchego provides a rich, nutty flavour to these flaky pastries.

How to cook Chorizo and Manchego Twists at home?

Learn how to cook Chorizo and Manchego Twists by sandwiching diced chorizo and grated Manchego between puff pastry sheets, cutting into strips, twisting them, and baking at 200°C for 22-25 minutes until golden. The key is properly preheating your oven and ensuring even distribution of fillings for perfectly flaky, flavourful results.

Can I prepare these pastry twists ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the twists up to the twisting stage and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake them ahead of time and reheat in a 160°C oven for 5 minutes just before serving to restore their crispness and warm the filling.

What can I substitute for Manchego cheese if I can't find it?

If Manchego isn't available, Pecorino Romano works well as mentioned in the recipe. Other good alternatives include aged Gouda, Parmesan, or Asiago, which all offer that nutty, sharp flavour that complements the smoky chorizo while melting beautifully within the pastry.

How do I ensure my puff pastry twists come out perfectly flaky?

For perfectly flaky twists, ensure your pastry is cold but pliable before working with it. Make clean cuts without dragging your knife, don't overhandle the dough, and be sure your oven is fully preheated. The egg wash helps achieve that golden finish while the hot oven creates steam for layers.

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The combination of smoky chorizo and sharp Manchego cheese creates an irresistible snack perfect for entertaining.", "prepTime": "PT20M", "cookTime": "PT25M", "totalTime": "PT45M", "keywords": "chorizo twists, manchego pastry, Spanish appetizer, puff pastry twists, savory baking", "recipeYield": "24", "recipeCategory": "Appetizer", "recipeCuisine": "Spanish", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "164 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "9 g", "proteinContent": "5 g", "fatContent": "12 g", "saturatedFatContent": "5 g", "cholesterolContent": "25 mg", "sodiumContent": "240 mg", "sugarContent": "0 g", "servingSize": "1 twist" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "375g ready-rolled puff pastry (2 sheets)", "150g Spanish chorizo, finely diced", "150g Manchego cheese, grated (or Pecorino Romano)", "2 tsp smoked paprika", "1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves", "1 egg, beaten", "1 tbsp milk", "Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Preheat", "text": "Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is crucial for achieving that perfect puff in your pastry." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare chorizo", "text": "Remove the chorizo casing if necessary and dice it into very small pieces. The finer you chop the chorizo, the more evenly it will distribute through your twists. If your chorizo is quite fatty, you can briefly sauté it for 2-3 minutes to render some fat and intensify the flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare pastry", "text": "Unroll your first sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, keeping it on its parchment if it comes with one. Ensure it's at cool room temperature - too cold and it will crack, too warm and it will become sticky and difficult to work with." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add filling", "text": "Sprinkle half the diced chorizo evenly over the pastry sheet, followed by half the grated Manchego cheese, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half the thyme leaves. The oils from the chorizo will infuse into the pastry as it bakes, creating wonderful flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Press filling", "text": "Gently press the toppings into the pastry with the palm of your hand to help them adhere. This prevents the filling from falling out during the twisting process." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Top with second sheet", "text": "Place the second sheet of puff pastry directly on top, lining up the edges as best you can. Use a rolling pin to lightly roll over the top, sealing the two sheets together with the filling sandwiched between. The gentle pressure helps bonds the layers without compressing the pastry too much." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cut strips", "text": "Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim any uneven edges, then cut the pastry into approximately 12 strips, each about 2cm wide. Clean cuts are important - avoid dragging the knife through the pastry as this can seal the edges and prevent proper rising." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Twist", "text": "Take each strip and twist it several times, holding each end and rotating in opposite directions. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3cm between each as they will expand during baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Egg wash", "text": "Whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture lightly over each twist - this will give them a beautiful golden shine during baking. The protein in the egg creates a glossy finish while helping to seal in moisture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add salt", "text": "Sprinkle each twist with a small pinch of sea salt flakes, which will enhance all the flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown. Rotate the trays halfway through cooking for even browning. Look for a rich golden color and crisp texture - the layers should be clearly visible." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool and serve", "text": "Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly so the twists hold their shape better. Serve warm or at room temperature. If making ahead, you can reheat in a 160°C oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "134" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sofia Ramirez", "datePublished": "2024-04-03", "reviewBody": "Addictively flaky and savory! These twists are the perfect combination of crispy pastry and rich Spanish flavors. I served them at my book club and everyone was asking for the recipe.", "name": "Perfect Spanish Appetizer", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Markus Andersson", "datePublished": "2024-04-06", "reviewBody": "Made them twice this week already! The chorizo and Manchego combination is absolutely divine. These are so quick to prepare and look impressively professional when served.", "name": "Quick and Impressive", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-11", "reviewBody": "Perfect match with Spanish wine! I served these at a tapas night and they paired wonderfully with a glass of Rioja. The smoked paprika adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.", "name": "Great for Wine Pairing", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Luca Bianchi", "datePublished": "2024-04-14", "reviewBody": "Even better than local bakery's version! I've been buying something similar at an expensive Spanish bakery, but these homemade ones have so much more flavor. The instructions were clear and easy to follow.", "name": "Better Than Store-Bought", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Claire Dubois", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "Great for last-minute guests! I keep the ingredients on hand now for whenever people drop by unexpectedly. These twists always impress and the recipe is foolproof - they turn out perfectly every time!", "name": "Foolproof Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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