These Easy Peasy Cheese Straws are a quick, flaky, and cheesy snack made with puff pastry and cheddar cheese. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, these crispy cheese twists are a simple yet delicious treat that’s ready in under 30 minutes. They’re also a fantastic option for dipping into soups or enjoying on their own!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 375g puff pastry (pre-rolled)

• 200g cheddar cheese (grated)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan, gas mark 5). Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface.

2. Add the Filling: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and black pepper evenly over one half of the pastry sheet.

3. Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry sheet over to cover the cheese, gently pressing down with your hands or a rolling pin to bind the layers.

4. Cut and Twist: Slice the cheese-filled pastry into strips about 1.5 cm apart. Pinch the two opposite ends of each strip and twist in opposite directions 3 to 4 times. Place the twisted strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the twisted pastry strips to create a golden, shiny finish.

6. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese straws are crispy and golden brown.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 184 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Sugar: 0.2g

These cheese straws are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizers, or as a side for your favorite soup!

Why These Cheese Straws Work

Quick and Easy

One of the best things about these Easy Peasy Cheese Straws is how fast they come together. With just three main ingredients—puff pastry, cheddar cheese, and an egg wash—you can have these cheese straws ready in no time. Using pre-rolled puff pastry means no need to worry about making dough from scratch, saving you time and effort. With a quick bake time of just 20 minutes, these cheese straws are perfect for when you need a tasty snack or appetizer in a hurry.

Flaky, Buttery Pastry

The puff pastry provides the perfect texture for these cheese straws. As the pastry bakes, it puffs up beautifully, creating flaky, buttery layers that are crisp on the outside while tender on the inside. This texture contrasts wonderfully with the sharp, savory flavor of the cheddar cheese. Each bite is a delightful mix of crunchy pastry and melty cheese.

Cheddar Cheese Flavor

The cheddar cheese gives these cheese straws a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy pastry. The cheese melts beautifully as it bakes, creating gooey pockets of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Adding black pepper to the cheese enhances the savory richness and adds just the right amount of heat.

Versatile and Adaptable

While this recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can easily experiment with other cheeses, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a blend of your favorites. You can also add extra seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme to create your unique twist on the recipe.

How to Make Easy Peasy Cheese Straws

1. Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan, gas mark 5). Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface. The pastry should be ready to use without any additional preparation.

2. Add the Filling

Evenly sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over one half of the puff pastry sheet. You can use as much or as little cheese as you prefer, but make sure to distribute it evenly across the surface. Then, sprinkle the black pepper over the cheese for added flavor.

3. Fold and Seal

Fold the puff pastry over the cheese, creating a sandwich with the cheese inside. Gently press down on the edges using your hands or a rolling pin to seal the layers together. This will help ensure the cheese stays inside while baking and prevent any leakage.

4. Cut and Twist

Next, slice the cheese-filled pastry into strips, about 1.5 cm wide. Once you have the strips, pinch the two opposite ends of each strip and twist in opposite directions 3 to 4 times. This twisting helps the pastry form its characteristic spiral shape and ensures an extra-crisp texture.

5. Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it evenly over the twisted pastry strips. The egg wash will give the cheese straws a golden, shiny finish when baked.

6. Bake

Place the twisted strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to make sure they don’t over-brown.

7. Serve

Once baked, remove the cheese straws from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve warm and enjoy these flaky, cheesy snacks with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own!

What to Serve With Easy Peasy Cheese Straws

While these cheese straws are fantastic on their own, they can be paired with a variety of sides or used to complement other dishes:

1. Soup: These cheese straws make a great side for dipping into a bowl of tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or French onion soup. Their crispy texture is perfect for soaking up rich, flavorful broths.

2. Salad: Pair the cheese straws with a light salad to balance their richness. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add freshness to the meal.

3. Charcuterie Board: These cheese straws would be a great addition to a charcuterie board, paired with cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a fun, snackable spread.

4. Dipping Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, creamy ranch, or a garlic aioli, for an added burst of flavor.

Health Considerations

These Easy Peasy Cheese Straws are certainly an indulgent treat, and they do contain cheese and puff pastry, which are high in fat and calories. While the recipe offers a crispy, cheesy snack, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you could experiment with reduced-fat cheese or opt for a whole wheat puff pastry for a healthier alternative.

You can also play around with the filling and use lighter cheeses like feta or mozzarella to cut down on fat. However, the classic combination of cheddar cheese and flaky puff pastry is a crowd-pleaser and offers a delicious, satisfying treat.

Conclusion

These Easy Peasy Cheese Straws are the ultimate savory snack that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With their flaky, crispy texture and rich, cheesy flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you serve them as a quick snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite soup, these cheese straws are perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality snack that everyone will love.