Easy Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists

These Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists are little bundles, but carry big flavor. The golden crisp and airy, puff pastry dough surrounds a flavorful center that holds buttery California Ripe Olives. Elevated with a garlicky basil pesto, and cheesy goodness. I love an appetizer that is quick to put together and does not skimp on flavor, and these tasty twists check all the boxes!  Spring is bringing with it, all the family gatherings and I know these will be a hit without too much effort. It really is a delicious savory bite, perfect for entertaining.

Olives and Basil?

One of my favorite signature scents and flavors of the warm season garden is basil! It is so fragrant and vibrant and a must in my garden every year. I use it in everything from pesto, tomato sandwiches, to iced tea. There are so many varieties of basil with different flavor profiles. Basil adds freshness, and balances out the rich flavors in these Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists perfectly. If you haven’t started your basil seeds, spring is the time to get them going or to transplant some starts. By the end of the season you will have a mountain of basil to make homemade pesto!

Most culinary basil found at the grocery store is a Genovese variety, which has tender green leaves. The aroma is intense and the flavor is fresh herby with a tad hit of clove, a nostalgic taste that signals the warm season garden for me.

Olives and basil make a perfect duo. The freshness of the basil really contrasts the salty, buttery goodness that comes from the olives. California Ripe Olives add depth of flavor throughout every bite. These are all simple ingredients that pack a punch in the flavor department and combine to make a delicious fusion of savory goodness.

Did you know that 95 % of commercial olives in the U.S are grown in California? The central valley is the primary growing region for olives. Hundreds of farmers and their families work each year to bring California Ripe Olives from their farms to our table. The olive groves range from small 5-acre lots to 1,000-acre farms. 

Olive trees begin to bloom around May and the fruit begin to ripen in the fall. Olive trees are an alternate bearing crop and their production fluctuates year by year. Each tree can produce around 1,000 olives each season. California Ripe Olives are one of two varieties: Manzanillo or Sevillano, coming in at different sizes. They are harvested between September-November and can be hand picked by skilled farmworkers or mechanically harvested. They are harvested when they are still green and have just began to change color. Fun fact olives are technically fruits!

Olives are canned in various forms, sliced, chopped, whole and are then sent off to our grocery stores where these little gems are available year round, they are so versatile to use! They really bring the flavor in so many dishes, like my Olive and Pepper Queso Fundido, Cheesy Potato and Olive Taco Cups and Fried Olive Jalapeno Bites If you’re a olive girly like me, snacking straight out of the can is always an option.

Why do these work so well as an appetizer?

These Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists are simple to make, easy to serve and packed with flavor, making it a great appetizer. Because olives are naturally bold and salty, they spread flavor throughout the entire twist. You’re not relying on dips or heavy seasoning, everything you need is baked right in.

These are best made the same day they will be served. Delicious both straight out of the oven or once they’ve cooled. One thing to avoid is placing them in to an air tight container, when they are still warm as the crisp texture will soak up extra moisture and soften the crisp outside that the puff pastry offers.

Ingredients:

California Ripe Olives: I am using both green and black California Ripe olives for this appetizer, which makes for a beautiful blend of color but they also bring slightly different flavors. The green olives are firmer and with a brighter, brinier flavor. The classic black olive is softer in texture with buttery flavor. The combination of both makes for a luxurious bite. Look for the CA GROWN label to ensure you are getting the freshest and best quality olives.

Ever wondered why some olives are green and others black? It’s not because of their level of ripeness, this is because the olives that are exposed to oxygen in their curing chambers take on this dark and rich color. Those that are not exposed keep their green color! 

Olive Oil: Just like I’m reaching for a good quality California Ripe Olive, I am also reaching for a good quality Olive oil. This will be the base for a garlic oil that will bring in the flavor and complexity to our Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists.

Garlic: A must in every savory recipe in my opinion. To really extract all the aroma and flavor, the minced garlic will get lightly sautéed in olive oil. The goal is to get it to a golden color, keep a close eye on it as it will burn very easily and that will make for a bitter oil.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheesy goodness really ties everything together, while adding in more flavor.

Egg: puff pastry gets brushed with a light coating of egg to give our twists that golden and glossy color. As well as adding that light crunch that comes with a puff pastry bite. All these need is light brush, as the puff pastry may get weighed down if it is too much and may not rise all the way.

Pesto: In addition to fresh basil, the pesto really makes that basil flavor pop, pesto has intensified flavor that really adds a delicious layer. You can use homemade or store bought! Key ingredients in a pesto include; olive oil, some kind of nut, parmesan cheese and of course basil. When I make my homemade version I add some lemon to balance it out.

Puff Pastry: There is so much that can be done with puff pastry. It is buttery, flaky with a slight crisp outside. It is delicate and airy and really seems like a fancy treat. In this case we are giving it a savory spin. You can find it in the freezer section of the grocery store, and once baked it turns out to be bakery style freshness right from the oven. And well a quick shortcut for this easy and delicious appetizer.

Fresh Basil: Genovese basil-Sweet herby and so fragrant! Basil is one of the stars in this appetizer.

Sesame seeds: They are the finishing touch that add in a bit of nuttiness.

Tips for the best twists

Once you have all the ingredients prepped we are ready to get started. You can find the whole recipe below but here are some tips to get this delicious appetizer on the table!

-You will want to roll out the thawed puff pastry just a bit on a floured surface, once you have both pieces rolled out just a bit begin adding the layers of pesto, basil leaves, cheese and olive mixture. Press the two pieces together gently to help it grip together.

-With a pizza cutter, cut 10 vertical strips (from top to bottom) and then one horizontal cut across the middle. You should end up with 20-22 strips. Aim to cut the vertical strips about and inch wide. Let me just say, don’t worry if the slices are not perfect it will be okay!

-Don’t be intimidated by making the twist, choose the thinnest side and press your index finger on the top, with your other hand, begin to twist the bottom for a full twist, press the ends together, if some of the filling comes out, simply stuff it back in. The twists will puff up and surround the excess.

These Easy Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists, remind me that the best things in life don’t have to be complicated. I really hope that you try these and enjoy them as much as my family and I do. I love creating recipes that highlight what the season has to offer, but I have to say I do feel extremely spoiled and blessed to live here in the California Central Valley. In the middle of the food production of the U.S, but unlike produce that comes and goes. California Ripe Olives are always in season ready to experience all the flavor in new dishes.

This post was made in partnership with California Ripe Olives all expressed opinions and recipes shared are my own. I am thankful to share about the bounty our state has to offer and recipes to make with in season produce. Check out other delicious and creative ways to use your California ripe Olives and more info on how they’re grown!