Randy Chandler
Puff pastry cheese sticks are a delicious, crunchy, and versatile snack that can be served with a bowl of soup or as an appetizer. They are also great for movie nights and parties. These cheese sticks are made by cutting puff pastry sheets into strips, seasoning them, and twisting them into spiral shapes. The twisting technique not only gives the pastry a unique look but also helps create a crispy texture as the layers of dough and butter puff up in the oven. You can also add spices, Parmesan cheese, or even pesto to enhance the flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy, Crunchy, Flaky, Bread-like |
| Taste | Cheesy, Spicy |
| Ingredients | Puff Pastry, Cheese, Spices, Olive Oil, Eggs, Seeds |
| Preparation | Twisting, Baking, Refrigerating |
| Serving Suggestions | Appetizer, Snack, Side, Dipping |
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What You'll Learn
How to make cheese straws
Cheese straws are a popular appetizer and are perfect for at-home entertaining. They are also served at weddings, parties, baby or bridal showers, holidays or other special events, especially in the South.
To make cheese straws, you will need puff pastry and cheese. You can use a cheese mixture by mixing different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, or pecorino romano. You can also add spices like black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or chilli pepper.
- Roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thick. The exact dimensions do not matter, but for longer straws, aim for one side to be about 10 inches long, and for shorter straws, aim for 6 to 8 inches.
- Sprinkle the pastry with 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture.
- Roll the pastry out again until the cheese is pressed into the dough.
- Cut the pastry into strips about 1-inch wide using a knife and cutting straight down (do not saw).
- Transfer the strips to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, spaced about an inch apart.
- Twist the ends of each strip in opposite directions to give the straws a spiral look. If they start to untwist, gently press the ends into the parchment to hold them in place.
- Refrigerate the straws for at least 10 minutes or up to an hour to help them firm up and puff better in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the cheese straws for about 10 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed, golden, and crispy.
Your cheese straws are now ready to be served! They can be served with cocktails, wine, or beer, and go well with dips, pickles, and deviled eggs. Enjoy!
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The best cheeses to use
When it comes to choosing the best cheese for your puff pastry cheese sticks, there are several options to consider. Here are some recommendations to make your cheese sticks delicious and flavourful:
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a versatile and popular choice for cheese sticks. Its sharp and tangy flavour pairs well with the puff pastry. Cheddar melts well, creating a gooey and cheesy centre. It also browns nicely, adding a crispy texture to the exterior of the cheese sticks.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, adds a nutty and savoury flavour to your cheese sticks. It has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. Parmesan melts and browns easily, contributing to the crispy texture. It is often combined with other cheeses, such as cheddar, to enhance the taste.
Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that melts beautifully, making it ideal for cheese sticks. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that complements the puff pastry. Gruyere also browns nicely, creating a visually appealing and tasty cheese stick.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for cheese sticks, offering a stretchy and gooey texture when melted. It has a mild flavour that pairs well with other ingredients. When using mozzarella, opt for whole milk mozzarella or cheese strings to ensure the best flavour and texture.
Pecorino Romano: If you prefer a spicier option, pecorino Romano is an excellent choice. It has a sharper and more pungent flavour than traditional Parmesan. It melts and browns well, contributing to the crispy and chewy texture of the cheese sticks.
Halloumi Cheese: Halloumi is a unique cheese that is known for its high melting point. It retains its shape and texture, making it ideal for cheese sticks if you want them to hold their form. Halloumi has a salty and tangy flavour that pairs well with various dips and sauces.
When choosing the cheese for your puff pastry cheese sticks, consider the flavour, melting point, and browning characteristics of the cheese. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your favourite blend!
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How to cut the pastry
To make puff pastry cheese sticks, you'll need to cut the pastry into strips. The exact dimensions of the strips don't matter too much, but the width of the strips will affect the texture of the cheese sticks—wider strips will result in a more bread-like texture, while thinner strips will be crispier. You can cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Cut straight down and avoid sawing.
If you want to make longer puff pastry cheese straws, aim for one side of the pastry sheet to be about 10 inches long. For shorter straws, aim for a length of 6 to 8 inches. You can also make the cheese sticks as thick or as thin as you like by adjusting the thickness of the pastry before cutting it into strips.
Once you've cut the pastry into strips, you can twist them to create a spiral effect. Take one strip and twist it from both ends eight to nine times to form a rolled tube of dough with the seasoning facing out. The tighter you twist the strips, the denser and crispier the cheese sticks will be. A loose twist will result in a softer, breadier stick.
After twisting the strips, place them on a prepared baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. If the twists start to untwist, gently press the ends into the parchment to hold them in place. You can also chill the twists in the fridge for at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour before baking to help them firm up and puff up in the oven.
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How to twist the pastry
To make twist puff pastry sticks that look like cheese sticks, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, unfold your puff pastry sheet and brush it with olive oil. You can season the pastry with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, or other spices of your choice. For a cheesier option, sprinkle a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or pecorino romano, over the dough. You can also add dried herbs like Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the mix.
Next, cut the dough into strips. The number of strips you cut will depend on how many twists you want to make and the desired thickness of your cheese sticks. A good guideline is to cut the dough into thirds lengthwise and then cut each third into thirds again, giving you nine strips in total.
Now it's time to twist! Pick up one strip and place it seasoned-side down on your work surface. Twist the strip from both ends eight to nine times, forming a rolled tube of dough with the seasoning facing outwards. Repeat this process for the remaining strips. Remember, the tighter you twist them, the denser and crispier they will be. If you prefer softer, breadier sticks, go for a looser twist.
Finally, place your twisted strips on a prepared baking sheet. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top before putting them in the oven. Bake for around 15-25 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden, and crispy.
Your twist puff pastry cheese sticks are now ready to serve! They go well with a variety of dishes, including soups, dips, or even on a charcuterie board. Enjoy!
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How to serve cheese straws
Cheese straws are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
As a Snack or Appetizer:
Cheese straws make a great snack on their own, and their crunchy texture also makes them perfect for dipping. They can be served with dips, pickles, deviled eggs, and other nibbles as part of a spread.
With Drinks:
Cheese straws go well with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. They are a perfect pairing for cocktails, wine, or beer, and can be a unique addition to happy hour or holiday parties.
With Soup:
In some places, cheese straws are popularly served with soup, providing a crunchy and cheesy complement to the dish. This combination is especially enjoyed in the Netherlands, where they are called "soup sticks."
As Part of a Meal:
Cheese straws can also be served as a side dish to accompany a meal. They go well with salads or can be a fun addition to a cheese board.
For Special Occasions:
In some regions, such as the South, cheese straws are a traditional part of celebrations. They are often present at weddings, funerals, and other gatherings, adding a crispy and savory element to the occasion.
Cheese straws are a versatile and delicious treat that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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