Cheese straws are savory baked twists made from puff pastry, grated cheese, and optional seasonings like cayenne or mustard powder. Ina Garten’s version uses store-bought puff pastry, making it both convenient and reliably delicious. They’re baked until golden, puffed, and delightfully crisp.
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
½ cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Flour, for dusting
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
Brush the pastry with the egg wash. Evenly sprinkle the cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and cayenne over half the sheet.
Fold the pastry in half (like a book) over the cheese. Gently roll it again to seal and flatten to about 10×12 inches.
Cut the pastry into ½-inch wide strips. Twist each strip several times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.