Herbed Cheese Straws
AmericanSnack

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

These elegant Herbed Cheese Straws are a timeless American appetizer that combines buttery puff pastry with sharp cheddar cheese and fragrant herbs. Each golden-brown twist delivers a satisfying crunch followed by rich, savory flavor that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together, need a sophisticated party snack, or simply want something delicious to nibble on, these cheese straws fit the bill perfectly. The combination of rosemary and thyme adds an aromatic complexity that elevates these beyond ordinary cheese snacks. Best of all, they can be made ahead and stored, making them a convenient option for busy hosts. The dough comes together quickly, and the twisting technique creates an attractive presentation that looks impressive but requires minimal skill. Serve them warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite dips, or enjoy them on their own as a standalone snack that will have everyone reaching for more.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, dried rosemary, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to distribute the herbs evenly.

  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a 12x16 inch rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.

  4. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the beaten egg, ensuring even coverage.

  5. Sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the entire pastry surface, pressing gently so it adheres.

  6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry lengthwise into strips about 1/2 inch wide.

  7. Take each strip and twist it 3-4 times, creating a spiral pattern. Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

  8. Press down the ends of each twist firmly onto the baking sheet to prevent unraveling during baking.

  9. Bake for 16-18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cheese straws are golden brown and crispy.

  10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

  11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Herbed Cheese Straws

4.3 (16)

Delightfully flaky and savory cheese pastry twists infused with aromatic herbs and sharp cheddar, perfect for entertaining or as an anytime treat that disappears fast from any gathering.

easy
38 min
24 servings

Ingredients

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main

  • 1 1/2 cups cheese-cheddar, shredded
  • 1/2 cups cheese-parmesan, grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

preparation

  • 1/4 cups flour, for dusting

coating

  • 1 pieces eggs, beaten

seasoning

  • 1 teaspoons rosemary, dried
  • 1 teaspoons thyme, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne, ground (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese combinations such as adding gruyere or aged parmesan.
You can substitute fresh herbs for dried - use three times the amount if using fresh.
If the pastry becomes too soft while working with it, refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
These cheese straws can be frozen unbaked - simply place twisted strips on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
To make them even more impressive, try creating different shapes like spirals or knots instead of simple twists.
Pair these with a honey mustard dip, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping.