Italian Cheese Twists
Crispy, cheesy Italian cheese twists with flavorful herbs and sesame seeds, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer for gatherings and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter, softened ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon marjoram, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine margarine, crushed basil, crushed oregano, crushed marjoram, and garlic powder; set aside.
- Roll out the thawed bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the herb-margarine mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, then cut into 1/2-inch slices.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and water together.
- Brush the tops of the twists with the beaten egg mixture.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the twists.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil in the herb mixture. If you don't have sesame seeds, poppy seeds or even grated Parmesan can be great alternatives. Ensure the bread dough is fully thawed to achieve the best texture. For an added kick, try incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes into the herb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Cheese Twists make a delightful appetizer or snack and pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a spread with other Italian recipes like Manicotti With Cheese to create a themed meal. They also make a great accompaniment to a warm bowl of soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Cheese Twists contains roughly 78 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, but you'll need to use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated. This will enhance the flavor of the twists, giving them a vibrant taste. Just make sure to chop the fresh herbs finely before mixing them into the margarine.
What type of bread dough works best?
You can use any type of frozen bread dough, but a classic white or Italian bread dough will yield the best results. Whole wheat dough can also be used for a healthier twist, though it may alter the texture slightly. Just ensure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just brush them with the egg wash and sprinkle the sesame seeds before popping them in the oven. This makes them a perfect make-ahead appetizer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).