Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

A vintage recipe from Atlanta's Magnolia Room at Rich's Department Store, made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan layered inside flaky, buttery puff pastry, twisted and baked until crisp and golden.

A plate of golden, twisted cheese straws with a cup of red dipping sauce in the background.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Ingredients

▢ 2 sheets frozen puff pastry
▢ 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
▢ ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
▢ 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less to taste
▢ Dash of salt
▢ 2 tablespoons softened butter
▢ Cooking spray

Instructions

Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package directions.
2 sheets frozen puff pastry
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Mix together the cheeses, pepper, and salt.
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, Dash of salt
Spread one puff pastry sheet with the softened butter. Top with the cheese mixture. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top. Gently press the open ends of the pastry together.
2 tablespoons softened butter
On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll the pastry out to a 15” x 15” square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut across the pastry in 1-inch wide pieces. Cut down the length of the pastry to halve each strip.
Twist each piece and place on a sprayed or greased baking sheet.
Cooking spray
Bake for 10-15 minutes until puffed and lightly browned.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that interfere with texture and melting.
Keep the pastry cold throughout the process. If it warms up at any point, return it to the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before continuing.
Adjust the cayenne to taste. A full teaspoon delivers noticeable heat; use half a teaspoon for a milder result.
When slicing into strips, cut straight down with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Sawing compresses the layers and reduces the puff.
Watch the oven closely. At 425 degrees these bake quickly and can overbrown in minutes.
Do not freeze baked cheese straws. Baked puff pastry loses its texture once frozen.

Nutrition