Flaky, cheesy twisted pastry straws
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
22 min
Servings
6
24 straws
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Flaky, cheesy twisted pastry straws
★4.6(23)
Crispy, flaky cheese straws made with puff pastry and sharp cheddar. An elegant snack baked in 15 minutes with only a few ingredients.
10m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
22m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
These cheese straws are impossibly easy yet look like they came from a bakery. Puff pastry does all the heavy lifting — just add cheese, twist, and bake.
Perfect for cocktail hour, holiday parties, or anytime you want a savory, elegant snack without any effort.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup finely grated sharp cheddar
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush with beaten egg.
- 3
Sprinkle evenly with cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, and cayenne. Press cheese gently into the dough.
- 4
Cut into 1/2-inch strips. Twist each strip 3-4 times and place on baking sheets.
- 5
Press the ends down onto the parchment to prevent untwisting.
- 6
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Puff pastryCrescent roll dough
Slightly different texture but works in a pinch
CheddarGruyere
More refined, nutty flavor
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Keep puff pastry cold — if it gets too warm, pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes.
Try everything bagel seasoning, herbs, or crumbled bacon as topping variations.
These are best eaten the day they are baked but can be re-crisped in the oven.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (25mg) · 6 servings
Calories150
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat11g
Fiber200mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead?
- Twist and freeze unbaked straws on a tray. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the time.
- What cheese works best?
- Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan all work wonderfully.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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