28-Minute Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Golden, crispy puff pastry cheese twists that are easy to make and packed with flavor. A perfect snack or appetizer, these twists combine gooey cheese, aromatic herbs, and spices for a bite-sized delight.
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.
