Description
These Puff Pastry Cheese Straws with White Cheddar and Black Pepper are a deliciously crispy and savory appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. Made with flaky puff pastry, sharp white cheddar cheese, and a punch of freshly cracked black pepper, these twists bake up golden and flavorful in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
Topping
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with the tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- Brush and Add Toppings: Brush the puff pastry lightly with the egg wash. Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, followed by the freshly cracked black pepper. Gently press the toppings into the dough using a rolling pin to help them adhere.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into ½-inch wide strips. Twist each strip gently to create a spiral and place them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheese straws cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika on the puff pastry before baking.
- These cheese straws are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
