These savory puff pastry cheese twists are a quick, satisfying snack that combines golden, flaky pastry with a rich, cheesy filling.
Packed with protein from cheese and a touch of fiber from herbs, they’re perfect for guilt-free indulgence.
Easy to prepare and versatile, they make an ideal appetizer, snack, or even a creative addition to meal prep.
28-Minute Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Equipment
- 1-Baking tray
- 1-Rolling pin
- 1 knife
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or mix
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tsp red chili powder or paprika
- 1 tsp crushed black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot, even environment, which is key for achieving a golden, flaky pastry. While the oven warms up, line a baking tray with parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat. This will prevent the pastry from sticking and make cleanup effortless.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Take your thawed sheet of puff pastry and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry into a smooth, even rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Rolling ensures that the pastry layers are even and will puff consistently during baking. Be careful not to press too hard, or you may compress the layers and lose some flakiness.
- Apply Egg Wash Base: With a pastry brush, lightly coat the entire surface of the puff pastry with beaten egg, including the edges. This egg wash acts as an adhesive for the seasonings and cheese while also contributing to a golden, shiny finish after baking.
- Season the Pastry: Sprinkle salt, thyme leaves, crushed black pepper, and red chili powder or paprika evenly across the pastry. This layer of seasoning infuses the twists with aromatic flavors. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference for mild or more robust heat.
- Add the Cheese Layer: Evenly scatter ½ cup of shredded cheese over the seasoned puff pastry. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works beautifully, giving both strong flavor and gooey texture. Press the cheese gently with the rolling pin to ensure it sticks to the pastry but avoid pressing too hard, as this can flatten the layers.
- Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the puff pastry in half lengthwise so that the cheese and seasonings are enclosed inside. Press lightly with your rolling pin to seal the edges. This step traps the cheese and keeps it from oozing out during baking.
- Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips. These will become your cheese twists, so try to keep the width consistent for even baking. Each strip should be long enough to twist comfortably.
- Twist the Strips: Take each strip and gently twist it a few times to create a spiral shape. Twisting adds texture, encourages even baking, and gives the final cheese straws their signature look. Place each twisted strip on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them so they can expand.
- Apply Final Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each twist with the remaining beaten egg. This additional egg wash ensures a deep golden color and a glossy, appetizing appearance once baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the cheese twists are puffed and golden brown. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning, as puff pastry can go from golden to dark quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cheese twists to cool for a few minutes. Cooling slightly makes them easier to handle and enhances the crispiness of the pastry. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or pair with soups like creamy tomato or vegetable soup for a cozy treat.
- Storage and Gifting Tips: Once cooled completely, store the twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For gifting, consider packaging them in brown paper bags, tied with a ribbon, and garnish with a small sprig of thyme. These make charming homemade gifts for friends and family.
Notes
- Use well-chilled puff pastry for best results; it puffs up beautifully when baked.
- Cheese choice matters: Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretch, and a mix gives balance.
- Twisting technique is key for texture and visual appeal—don’t overtwist or strips may break.
- Spices and herbs can be adjusted—smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried oregano work well.
- Egg wash ensures golden color and a glossy finish; don’t skip this step.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature; slightly cooled twists remain crisp.
- Makes an excellent make-ahead snack; store in airtight containers to maintain flakiness.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Twists
To achieve perfectly golden and crispy puff pastry cheese straws, always start with thoroughly thawed but chilled pastry.
Rolling should be gentle—pressing too hard compresses the layers and reduces the flakiness.
When adding cheese, use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses for flavor depth and gooey texture.
Twisting each strip just enough ensures an attractive spiral that bakes evenly.
Lastly, apply egg wash twice once before adding cheese and again on top of the twists for a shiny, appetizing finish.
Small touches like evenly distributed spices and pressing the cheese lightly into the dough make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
These cheesy twists are versatile and work as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food.
Serve them warm alongside soups like tomato, creamy mushroom, or roasted red pepper for a comforting pairing.
They also pair beautifully with dips, such as marinara, pesto, or a creamy herb dip.
For a casual gathering, present them on a platter with fresh herbs as a garnish.
They can also be included in lunchboxes or picnic baskets—their crispiness makes them easy to transport and enjoy cold or slightly reheated.
Storage Tips for Maintaining Freshness
Puff pastry cheese straws are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later.
Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To extend shelf life slightly, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the pastry may lose some crispiness.
For longer storage, freeze unbaked twists on a parchment-lined tray for 1–2 months; then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes restores crispness better than using a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, but ensure it is completely thawed in the refrigerator before using. Rolling frozen pastry can cause tearing, and uneven thawing may affect puffing.
2. Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the twists and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze unbaked twists for later use, then bake straight from frozen.
3. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, experiment with any melty cheese like gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack. Mixing a sharp and a mild cheese gives a balance of flavor and texture.
4. How do I make them spicier or more flavorful?
Add extra paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, or herbs to the seasoning layer. Smoked paprika adds warmth, while crushed red chili gives a mild heat kick.
5. Can I make these gluten-free or low-carb?
For gluten-free options, use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry.
Low-carb versions are more challenging, but some almond or coconut flour-based puff pastry recipes exist. Keep in mind that texture may differ from traditional puff pastry.
