Description
These Puff Pastry Cheese Straws are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Made with flaky puff pastry, a blend of aged cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, they bake up golden and crispy in just 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature for a tasty treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
- 1 (14-ounce) package puff pastry or homemade rough puff pastry
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon water or cream
- All-purpose flour (for dusting work surface)
- ¾ cup (85 grams) finely shredded aged cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixed
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle approximately 12×10 inches if not pre-rolled.
- Mix cheese and cayenne: In a small bowl, combine the shredded aged cheddar and Parmesan cheese with the cayenne pepper if using. This mixture will add a sharp, flavorful punch to the straws.
- Brush egg wash: In another small bowl, whisk together the egg and water or cream to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the entire surface of the rolled puff pastry with the egg wash. This will help the cheese adhere and give the straws a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle cheese mixture: Evenly sprinkle the cheese and cayenne pepper mixture across the puff pastry sheet, pressing gently to help it stick to the egg wash.
- Cut and twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips approximately ½-inch wide. Carefully pick up each strip and twist several times to create a spiral effect, then lay the twisted strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Apply final egg wash: Lightly brush the twists again with the egg wash for added shine and color.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cheese straws on the middle rack for 18-20 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cheese straws to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute the aged cheddar and Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- If using homemade rough puff pastry, ensure it is well chilled before rolling out to maintain flakiness.
- The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the crispiness.
- For a variation, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or black pepper instead of cayenne for different spice notes.
