Description
These Puff Pastry Cheese Straws are a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry twisted with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic powder and smoked paprika for a burst of flavor. Perfectly golden and crispy, they make a great snack or party finger food.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- Flour for dusting
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to smooth the seams and slightly enlarge the rectangle for better handling and even filling coverage.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This helps the cheese mixture stick and ensures a golden finish.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika over one half of the pastry sheet. The spices add a nice depth of flavor.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the pastry over the cheese-covered side and gently press down to seal the edges. Lightly roll the folded pastry to encourage the cheese mixture to bind within.
- Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into ½-inch wide strips. This size makes perfect bite-sized cheese straws.
- Twist and Arrange: Twist each strip several times to create the classic cheese straw look and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart so they bake evenly.
- Brush with Egg Wash Again: Brush the tops of the twisted strips with more beaten egg to enhance browning and shine.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese straws are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheese straws to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Add dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture for an extra aromatic touch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
