Crispy, flaky, buttery, and absolutely irresistible—that’s the magic of Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws. This classic appetizer transforms all-star ingredients like sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and flaky puff pastry into golden twists packed with flavor. Whether you’re gathering for a cozy movie night, hosting a festive appetizer party, or simply craving a savory snack, these homemade cheese straws will wow every cheese lover at first bite. Trust me: they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe puts a spotlight on simple, flavorful ingredients that work together to make Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws so memorable. Each one brings something special, from richness to a hint of fresh green, and even a dash of color.
- Frozen puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The heart of the recipe, puff pastry bakes up into beautiful, delicate layers for a perfectly crisp straw.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): The main cheesy punch—pick a sharp cheddar for bigger, irresistible flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, umami depth and just the right amount of subtle, nutty bite.
- Chopped fresh herbs (2 tablespoons — such as chives, thyme, or parsley): Fresh herbs brighten each bite; swap in your favorites or use a blend.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A gentle garlic warmth that fits beautifully with the cheese and herbs.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gorgeous hint of color and mild peppery note.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a little to bring out all the flavors.
- Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): Helps toppings stick and gives that signature golden finish.
- All-purpose flour (for dusting): Keeps the pastry from sticking as you roll and shape.
How to Make Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and helps the cheese straws bake evenly. Now, dust your work surface lightly with flour to prevent any pastry mishaps!
Step 2: Roll and Smooth the Puff Pastry
Lay your thawed sheet of puff pastry on your floured surface. With a rolling pin, gently roll it out just enough to smooth any folds or creases—no need to make it thinner, just even. This ensures your Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws come out beautifully crisp and uniform.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Grab your beaten egg and lightly brush it over the entire surface of the pastry. Now comes the fun part: evenly scatter your shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of Parmesan, plenty of fresh herbs, the garlic powder, paprika, and that pinch of salt. Don’t be shy—every bite should have flavor! Lightly press everything in with the rolling pin so the toppings stay put.
Step 4: Slice and Twist
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide. Pick up each strip and gently twist it several times; the twists are what create that signature cheese straw shape. Place each one on your baking sheet, leaving a little space in between for them to puff up as they bake.
Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake
For that bakery-perfect finish, give the tops another light brush with the remaining egg wash. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until your Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws are gloriously golden and crisp around the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes—if you can wait!
How to Serve Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws
Garnishes
A flourish of extra fresh herbs makes these cheese straws look instantly gourmet. You can also sprinkle on a dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch more paprika for color right after baking. These little additions turn a humble snack into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws with a tangy tomato soup or a crisp, vibrant salad for a light lunch. They also play nicely with an olive tapenade, homemade hummus, or even a creamy dip for a full-on appetizer platter. The cheesy crunch is perfect alongside anything with a little acidity or freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the straws in a mason jar or tall glass for a playful centerpiece at parties. For individual servings, tie a few together with twine or ribbon—they make charming edible gifts! You might even float one atop a bowl of soup for a delicious, eye-catching garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to two days—after that, you might notice they lose a bit of their initial crunch.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked cheese straws cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready, simply thaw and re-crisp them with a quick bake in the oven.
Reheating
Bring back the irresistible crunch by reheating Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture and revives that just-baked flavor—so worth it!
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar packs the most flavor, feel free to try other firm cheeses like gruyere, fontina, or even a spicy pepper jack for something different. Mixing a few varieties can also add great depth.
Is it possible to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You can substitute dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as their flavor is more concentrated. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I keep the straws from unraveling during baking?
Make sure to twist each strip firmly, and lightly press down the ends onto the baking sheet. Brushing with egg wash helps, too, as it “glues” the pastry just enough to keep its shape as it puffs up.
Can I assemble these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the straws up to the point of baking, then refrigerate the tray (covered) for several hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge, just add a minute or two to the bake time.
Are Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian—as long as your cheeses are made without animal rennet. Double-check labels if this is important to you.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing home-baked treats that get everyone reaching for seconds, Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws are calling your name. With their flaky layers, big cheese flavor, and fresh herbal notes, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll put your own twist on this recipe and share them at your next gathering. Happy baking, and enjoy every crunchy bite!
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Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 straws 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or as a savory snack!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- all-purpose flour for dusting
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as chives, thyme, or parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, brush with egg wash.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with cheeses, herbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Press toppings into the pastry.
- Cut and twist: Cut pastry into strips, twist each strip, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Experiment with different cheese and herb combinations for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 straw
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
