Description
Delightfully crisp and cheesy, these Puff Pastry Cheese Straws are perfect as an elegant appetizer or savory snack. Made with flaky puff pastry and a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, they offer a perfect balance of richness and spice, enhanced by a hint of cayenne pepper. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these golden cheese straws are ideal for parties or teatime treats.
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 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 Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, roughly 12 by 14 inches. This ensures the cheese straws will bake evenly and have a good size.
- Add Cheese and Spice: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan mixture over one half of the puff pastry. Sprinkle the cayenne pepper on top if using, for a subtle spicy kick.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the uncovered half of the pastry over the cheese-covered half to create a layered rectangle. Press gently to seal the edges and trap the cheese inside.
- Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into ½ inch wide strips. Twist each strip a couple of times to form the classic cheese straw shape.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg with the teaspoon of water or cream. This mixture will give the cheese straws a shiny, golden finish.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the twisted strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush each twist lightly with the egg wash to encourage browning.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cheese straws in the center of the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can make your own rough puff pastry if preferred, using cold butter and flour, but store-bought puff pastry is a convenient alternative.
- For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper and substitute with smoked paprika or Italian herbs.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling to get maximum flakiness and rise during baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
