There's something irresistibly fun about snacking on crisp, cheesy twists that melt in your mouth. This Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that instantly lifts the mood—perfect for entertaining or just nibbling alongside a cozy drink.

There are six twisted puff pastry sticks arranged side by side on a white rectangular plate. Each stick has two visible layers: a golden-brown and crispy outer layer twisted around a deeper brown spice and cheese-filled inner layer. The pastry looks flaky and light with some small green herb pieces scattered on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl of grated cheese and a wooden bowl of fresh herbs seen in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I was hooked the first time I made these cheese straws. Flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a crispy, flavorful cheese and spice crust? Yes, please! They’re a total crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Quick and simple to prepare: Minimal ingredients and few steps make these straws perfect for last-minute snacks or impromptu get-togethers.
Deliciously crispy texture: The puff pastry bakes up golden and flaky, while the parmesan cheese adds nutty crunch.
Customizable flavors: You can easily adjust spices or cheeses to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Versatile serving options: Great as appetizers, party snacks, or even paired with soups and salads.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here comes from pairing classic puff pastry with a fragrant blend of spices and sharp, salty parmesan. Each ingredient plays a role, contributing layers of flavor and texture that make these straws irresistible.

Flat lay of a single sheet of fresh puff pastry dough, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, another small white bowl containing mixed dried Italian herbs, a third small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of clear water, and a small white bowl piled with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that puffs up beautifully in the oven—defrost thoroughly for best results.
Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the cheese.
Dried Italian seasoning: A savory herb mix that brings depth and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps balance the richness.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of bite and complexity.
Large egg: Mixed with water to make an egg wash that gives the straws a golden, shiny finish.
Water: Thins the egg for easy brushing.
Grated parmesan cheese: The star of the show—its nutty, salty punch crisps up perfectly on top.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

Personally, I like to tweak these cheese puff pastry straws depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap the parmesan for sharp cheddar or even add a pinch of cayenne for some heat—it’s all about what you enjoy and what you have on hand!

Herb Twist: I often sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme alongside the Italian seasoning for a vibrant herbal note that surprises guests.
Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the paprika mix amps up the flavor profile.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, aged cheddar, or even crumbled feta for unique flavor twists.
Diet-Friendly: For gluten-free options, puff pastry alternatives exist but keep in mind texture changes; I haven’t tried this myself but heard almond-based doughs can work.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a mix of dried spices and herbs. The mix has layers of coarse salt crystals, small green dried leaves, and reddish-brown powdered spices with a rough texture. A shiny silver spoon is shown scooping a portion of the spice mix, resting inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Preheat Like a Pro

I first make sure my oven rack is in the middle position for even baking. Then I heat it to 375ºF (190ºC). Parchment paper-lined baking sheets are ready to catch those golden straws without sticking. Trust me, this little prep makes a huge difference in cleanup and results.

Step 2: Perfect Puff Pastry Texture

Defrosting the puff pastry overnight in the fridge is my go-to method for flaky, buttery layers. If you're short on time, thawing on the counter for about 40 minutes works, but make sure it stays cool and pliable, not sticky or warm—too warm and the pastry won't puff right.

Step 3: Season It Up

While the pastry defrosts, I mix paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend is the flavor backbone and smells amazing even before baking.

Step 4: Roll, Brush, and Sprinkle

On a floured surface, I roll out the puff pastry into a neat 12 x 10-inch rectangle—thin enough for crisp layers, about ⅛-inch thick. A light dust of flour keeps it from sticking to the pin or surface. Next, I whisk the egg with water and brush it evenly on the dough. This helps the toppings stick and gives the straws that gorgeous golden sheen.

Step 5: Add the Toppings and Press Gently

Sprinkle the seasoning mix and grated parmesan cheese generously over the egg wash. Then, I gently press the toppings into the dough with the rolling pin—just enough so they stick but the puff pastry can still rise.

Step 6: Cut and Twist

I use a sharp chef’s knife or pizza cutter to slice ¾-inch wide strips about 10 inches long. The exact number varies, but I usually get 12 strips. Then, twisting each strip creates that classic cheese straw look and helps the layers puff and crisp uniquely.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

The twisted strips go on the parchment-lined sheets spaced about an inch apart so they bake evenly. I brush each strip with more egg wash and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until they’re golden, puffed, and crispy. Don’t walk away—oven temps vary, and they can go from perfect to burnt fast!

Top Tip

I’ve made these Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe dozens of times, and these tips always make them better and stress-free especially if you’re new to working with puff pastry.

Chilling is Key: Keep your puff pastry cold until the last moment before rolling so it puffs and crisps perfectly.
Don't Overload Toppings: Too much cheese or spices can weigh down the pastry and keep it from rising.
Twist Gently but Firmly: You want defined swirls for texture but avoid tearing the dough.
Watch the Oven: Baking times can vary, so start checking around 12 minutes to catch them at their crispiest.

How to Serve Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe

Garnishes

I love tossing a little extra freshly grated parmesan over warm straws or sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. These little touches make everyone feel like you went the extra mile.

Side Dishes

These straws pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like homemade marinara, tangy mustard, or rich spinach dip. I often serve them alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a crisp green salad for a cozy yet elegant snack or light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the twisted straws upright in tall glasses or mason jars—makes them easy to grab and looks so inviting! For a festive touch, try sprinkling colorful seeds like sesame or poppy on top before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, I recommend reheating in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing baked straws works pretty well if you pop them in a resealable bag or container and freeze up to 1 month. When you want a quick snack, just bake the frozen dough strips straight or reheat baked ones from frozen.

Reheating

I reheat mine in a 350ºF (177ºC) oven on a baking sheet for about 5 to 7 minutes, which refreshes the crispiness without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cheese in this Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe?

Absolutely! While parmesan adds a lovely sharpness and crisp texture, you can experiment with cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from sticking when rolling it out?

Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. Also, make sure the puff pastry is cool but pliable—not warm, or it will become sticky and hard to handle.

Can I prepare the Cheese Puff Pastry Straws ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the twisted strips on baking sheets, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This is great for party prep.

What's the best way to reheat leftover Cheese Puff Pastry Straws?

Reheating in a preheated oven at 350ºF (177ºC) for 5 to 7 minutes works best to restore their crispiness without making them soggy.

Final Thoughts

These Cheese Puff Pastry Straws Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen for their ease, crunch, and versatility. They’re the kind of snack that starts good conversations and disappearing acts at parties—I’m confident you’ll love making and sharing them as much as I do. Dive in, make tweaks, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!