Kamil Perry
Puff pastry cheese sticks are a versatile snack that can be served at parties, as a movie night snack, or even as an appetizer. They are easy to make and can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of grated hard cheeses. The puff pastry sheets can be rolled out and cut into strips, which are then twisted and baked in the oven until golden brown. The addition of an egg wash or heavy cream can also help to achieve a crispy texture and ensure that the cheese sticks to the pastry. These cheese sticks are a great option for those who prefer baking to frying and can be served warm with a side of marinara sauce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Puff pastry, cheese, egg, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, sesame seeds, nigella seeds |
| Oven temperature | 350-400˚F |
| Baking time | 10-20 minutes, or until golden brown |
| Preparation | Roll out pastry, sprinkle with cheese, cut into strips, twist, brush with egg wash, bake |
| Texture | Crispy, crunchy, flaky, gooey, melty |
| Taste | Savory, buttery, salty |
| Serving suggestions | Movie night snack, party food, appetizer, soup accompaniment |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right puff pastry
Puff pastry cheese sticks are a simple and delicious snack, perfect for parties or as a movie night treat. They are easy to make and can be made in advance, but how do you choose the right puff pastry?
Firstly, you can use either fresh or frozen puff pastry. Frozen puff pastry is a great option if you want to make these cheese sticks in advance, as they can be stored in the freezer until needed. If using frozen puff pastry, ensure you allow enough time for the pastry to thaw, following the package instructions. Typically, this will take around an hour at room temperature. Cover the pastry with cling film to prevent it from drying out.
Secondly, consider the shape of the pastry. You can use either a roll of puff pastry or a block/sheet of pastry. The sheets are typically square, but you can also use a larger sheet or multiple sheets. The roll of puff pastry is a more recent option, which is easier to work with when making cheese sticks.
Thirdly, the quality of the puff pastry is important. Look for a pastry that has a high butter content, as this will give a better flavour and a flakier texture. The higher the butter content, the more layers the pastry will have, resulting in a puffier and crispier cheese stick.
Finally, you can choose between pre-made puff pastry or making your own. Making your own puff pastry is a labour-intensive process, requiring a lot of time and effort. For this reason, pre-made puff pastry is a more convenient and accessible option, especially when making a simple snack like cheese sticks.
In summary, when choosing the right puff pastry for cheese sticks, consider your timeframe, the shape and size of the pastry, the quality and ingredients, and whether you want to make your own or buy pre-made.
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Selecting the best cheese
When it comes to selecting the best cheese for your puff pastry cheese sticks, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, choose a cheese that has a strong flavour that will shine through when baked. Sharp, hard cheeses are ideal, such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or aged cheddar. These cheeses have a distinct flavour that will complement the buttery puff pastry. If you're looking for a spicier option, Pecorino Romano is a great choice. Alternatively, you can use a combination of grated hard cheeses that you have on hand.
Another factor to consider is the melting point of the cheese. Some cheeses melt quicker and brown faster, so if you want your cheese sticks to hold their shape better, opt for a cheese with a higher melting point, such as Parmesan or aged cheddar. However, if you don't mind a gooier, meltier cheese stick, cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella will work well.
The versatility of puff pastry cheese sticks also lies in the ability to mix and match different cheeses. You can create your own cheese blend by mixing different types of cheeses together. This allows you to experiment with various flavour profiles and create unique combinations. For example, a mix of Parmesan and cheddar provides a nice balance of saltiness and sharpness.
When it comes to the amount of cheese to use, be generous. The cheese is a key ingredient in these sticks, so sprinkle it generously over the puff pastry. You can adjust the amount to your taste preferences, but typically, a good amount is around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grated cheese per sheet of puff pastry.
Lastly, consider adding some spices or herbs to enhance the flavour of your cheese sticks. Just remember to use dried herbs as fresh herbs may burn in the oven. Spices like black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or chilli pepper can add a kick to your sticks.
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Preparing the sheets
Preparing the puff pastry sheets is a simple process. First, take out the puff pastry and let it come to room temperature. Cover it with cling film to prevent it from drying out. Place the sheets on a lightly floured work surface.
Next, roll out the sheets with a rolling pin to make them thinner. The exact dimensions are not crucial, but for longer puff pastry cheese sticks, aim for one side to be about 10 inches long, and for shorter sticks, aim for 6 to 8 inches.
Once the sheets are rolled out, sprinkle them with cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, aged cheddar, or a combination of grated hard cheeses. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of cheese over each sheet.
After sprinkling the cheese, use a rolling pin to roll out the pastry again, pressing the cheese into the pastry and smoothing out any seams or wrinkles. The pastry should be rolled out until it is about 1/8-inch thick.
Now you are ready to cut the pastry into strips. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into long strips about 1-inch wide. For each cheese stick, you will need two strips, or you can use three strips for a fancier braid pattern.
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Cutting and shaping the pastry
To make cheese straws or sticks from puff pastry sheets, you'll first need to roll out the pastry. Place your puff pastry sheets on a work surface lightly dusted with flour. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the sheets so they are slightly thinner than they were before—aim for about 1/8-inch thick.
Once you've rolled out the pastry, it's time to cut it into strips. You can use a knife, pizza cutter, or even a pizza wheel to do this. Cut straight down (don't saw) to get long strips about 1-inch wide. The exact dimensions aren't too important, but if you want longer straws or sticks, aim for one side of the pastry to be about 10 inches long. For shorter straws, 6 to 8 inches will do.
If you want to get creative, you can cut the pastry into different shapes using cookie cutters or a sharp knife. For example, you could make triangular or rectangular shapes. Just keep in mind that the size and shape of your pastry will affect the baking time, so keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid overcooking.
Now it's time to shape your pastry strips. Pick up each strip of dough, holding one end in each hand, and twist them. You can twist tightly for denser and crispier sticks, or go for a looser twist if you prefer softer, breadier sticks. Place the twisted strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each one. If your twists start to untwist, gently press the ends into the parchment to hold them in place.
At this point, you can also experiment with braiding if you'd like to use three or more strips together. Simply place the ends of each strip together at the top and twist the rest of the strips together.
Chill your shaped pastry in the fridge for at least 10 minutes or up to an hour before baking. This helps firm up the pastry and gives it a better puff in the oven.
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Baking the cheese sticks
To bake the cheese sticks, first, preheat your oven to 175 °C / 350 °F or 375 °F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can also use heavy cream or full-fat milk instead of parchment paper.
Next, prepare the puff pastry sheets. If frozen, thaw the sheets according to the package directions, usually by leaving them out on the counter for about an hour. Then, place the sheets on a lightly floured work surface and roll them out with a rolling pin to make them thinner.
After that, cut the sheets into long strips about 1-inch wide. You can use a knife, pizza cutter, or pizza wheel for this step. For each cheese stick, you will need two strips, or you can use three or more strips for a fancier design, such as a braid.
Now, assemble the cheese sticks. Place the ends of each strip together at the top and twist the rest of the strips together. The tighter you twist them, the denser and crispier the cheese sticks will be. A loose twist will result in a softer, bread-like stick. You can also twist each strip in opposite directions to make them stand out more and give them a spiral look.
Once all the strips are twisted, place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Brush the strips with egg wash or olive oil to help the cheese stick to the pastry and ensure they get crispy and golden brown. Then, sprinkle the strips with shredded or grated cheese, such as Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyere, or a combination of hard cheeses. You can also add other toppings like sesame seeds and nigella seeds.
Finally, bake the cheese sticks in the preheated oven for about 10 to 20 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and crispy. The wider the strips, the more bread-like the cheese sticks will be. Once they are done, let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
These puff pastry cheese sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, you can make them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving to restore their crispness.
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Frequently asked questions
First, take out the puff pastry and let it come to room temperature. Make sure you cover it with cling film to prevent it from drying out. Once defrosted, place your sheets on a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the sheets so they are a bit thinner.
For each puff pastry cheese stick, you need two strips of puff pastry. Place the ends of each strip together at the top and twist the rest of the strips together. You can twist each strip in opposite directions to make them stand out more. Brush the pastry with egg wash or heavy cream, and sprinkle on your chosen cheese and any additional toppings.
Preheat your oven to 350-375°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the twisted, cheese-topped pastry strips on the tray, leaving an inch or so between each stick. Bake for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are puffed and golden brown.
