WW Crisp-And-Spicy Cheese Twists: A Flavorful, Lighter Indulgence

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a simple, savory snack that delivers a punch of flavor without weighing you down. For me, these WW Crisp-And-Spicy Cheese Twists evoke memories of casual gatherings and quick, delightful bites. I recall making these for a book club meeting years ago, wanting something more exciting than the usual chips and dip, but still fitting within my dietary goals at the time. The aroma of toasting cheese and paprika filled my kitchen, and watching friends’ eyes light up with each crunchy, cheesy bite was a moment of pure culinary joy. They were so easy to make, and the subtle kick from the red pepper made them utterly addictive. Even now, the memory of those perfectly twisted, golden-brown snacks brings a smile to my face. They truly embody the idea that lighter fare can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Servings: 16
• Yield: 16 twists
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 (10-ounce) can pizza dough, refrigerated (Pillsbury brand is specifically mentioned in the source material)
• Butter-flavored cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter (highly recommended, as per the original note) or a sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Wire racks
• Oven

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high heat is crucial for achieving that desirable crispiness.
2. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and ground red pepper. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended. This mixture forms the flavorful coating for your twists. Set this aside.
3. Gently unroll the refrigerated pizza dough. If it’s quite thick or stubborn, you might need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, but be careful not to let it get too soft.
4. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough into a 12 x 8 inch rectangle. Aim for an even thickness across the dough for consistent baking.
5. Lightly coat the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with the butter-flavored cooking spray. This provides a subtle richness and helps the cheese mixture adhere.
6. Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the prepared cheese mixture over the surface of the dough, ensuring it’s distributed from edge to edge.
7. Carefully fold the dough in half, bringing one long edge to meet the other, to create an 8 x 6 inch rectangle. Press gently to seal the layers.
8. Once again, lightly coat the top surface of this folded dough with the butter-flavored cooking spray.
9. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture evenly over this second surface.
10. Using your fingertips, gently press the cheese mixture into the dough. This helps it adhere and ensures it bakes on rather than falling off.
11. Now comes the fun part: cut the dough into 16 strips. The original recipe specifically suggests using a pizza cutter for ease, which works wonderfully on dough. Aim for strips that are approximately 8 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. You should get 8 strips from each half of the folded dough.
12. For each strip, gently pick up both ends and twist the dough. This action creates the signature twisted shape and adds visual appeal.
13. Arrange the twisted strips of dough onto a large baking sheet. Ensure they are placed 1/2 inch apart to allow for proper air circulation and even browning. It’s a good idea to coat the baking sheet with cooking spray before placing the twists on it, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup, though the original recipe specified coating the sheet.
14. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) for 8 minutes, or until the twists are lightly browned and appear puffed and crisp. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary, and these are designed for a quick bake.
15. Once baked to perfection, remove the twists from the pan immediately.
16. Transfer the twists to wire racks to cool. This step is essential for allowing them to become fully crisp as they cool.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of these cheese twists lies in their simplicity, but a few extra touches can elevate them even further. When unrolling the pizza dough, if it springs back, try letting it rest under a slightly damp towel for a minute or two; it often becomes more pliable. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a whisper of dried Italian herbs to the cheese mixture. If you don’t have butter-flavored cooking spray, a light brushing of melted unsalted butter will work in a pinch, though the spray tends to provide a lighter coating. When twisting, don’t be afraid to give them a good twist – this creates lovely crevices for the cheese to crisp up.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These crisp-and-spicy cheese twists are best served warm, straight from the oven, when their flavor and texture are at their peak. They make a fantastic appetizer, a delightful accompaniment to soups or salads, or simply a satisfying snack any time of day. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely!), allow them to cool completely before storing. They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, though they will lose some of their crispness. For longer storage, you can freeze them in zip-top bags. To reheat, a few seconds in the microwave (about 20 to 30 seconds, as the original recipe suggests) will warm them, or a brief stint in a toaster oven or a regular oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) will help restore their crispness.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	9.4	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	0.6 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.4 g	1%
Cholesterol	1.8 mg	0%
Sodium	31.9 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	0.2 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment! For a different cheesy profile, you could try a blend of Parmesan and a little sharp cheddar or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan twist (though this would alter the point value). If you prefer more heat, increase the ground red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne. For a hint of herbaceousness, a tiny bit of dried oregano or thyme can be added to the cheese mixture. If you find the butter-flavored cooking spray too artificial for your taste, a light mist of olive oil spray or a very fine brush of melted butter can be used, but be mindful that this might slightly change the texture and potentially the point value.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dough and cut the strips, but it’s best to twist and bake them just before serving for maximum crispness. However, they can be baked and then reheated.

Q: My dough is tearing when I try to roll it. What should I do?
A: Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to become more pliable. Gently roll it out, and if it tears, you can often patch it with a small piece of dough.

Q: How can I make these spicier?
A: Increase the amount of ground red pepper in the cheese mixture, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Q: Are these suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, they freeze well. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month.

Q: What is the best way to reheat them to regain crispness?
A: While the microwave is quick, a toaster oven or a regular oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes will yield the crispiest results.

Final Thoughts

These WW Crisp-And-Spicy Cheese Twists are a testament to the fact that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious and satisfying. They are proof positive that lighter options can be bursting with flavor and incredibly moreish. Whether you’re following a specific program or simply looking for a healthier snack alternative, I encourage you to whip up a batch. They are quick enough for a spontaneous craving and impressive enough for company. Enjoy the delightful crunch, the savory cheese, and that subtle, welcome warmth from the red pepper. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea. Share them, savor them, and let me know what you think!