Last Updated on November 24, 2023 by Kimberly Stroh

Appetizers are one of my favorite things to make. I love simple, tried-and-true ingredients that taste great on their own and even better together. These Puff Pastry Cheese Straws are the perfect example. Just dress up the puff pastry a bit, fold and twist, then bake! They’re easy and elegant. I make them during the holiday season as an appetizer.

Puff pastry can be found in the freezer section. Puff pastry creates an air-filled buttery pastry that can be used in traditional desserts and appetizers. I love working with puff pastry because you can pair almost any flavor with it. The gruyere, parmesan, and thyme are excellent flavors to use with the buttery puff pastry.

Looking for even more ways to use puff pastry? These are some of my favorite puff pastry recipes:

• Mushroom Palmier
• Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizer

Tips For Making Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

For this recipe, you’ll need a baking sheet and silicone baking mats. If you don’t own the silicone baking mats, parchment paper would work as well. You just want a non-stick surface. I prefer silicone baking mats because they don’t add any grease, are reusable, and distribute heat well, even for baking.

When To Make Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

This is an elegant appetizer that looks fancy, even though it doesn’t take much work. It’s a light and crispy appetizer, too. Make these cheese straws during the holiday season. They’re great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. That’s when I make them for my family!

Tips To Work With Puff Pastry

• Puff pastry comes frozen. Defrost the puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator.
• When pressing the cheese into the puff pastry, be gentle so as not to break the pastry.
• Twist the puff pastry as you gently extend it longer, being careful not to break it.
• Bake until the puff pastry is slightly golden brown.

How To Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, add the Puff Pastry Cheese Straws to an airtight food storage container. They do not need to be refrigerated. For the best freshness, enjoy the straws for up to 3 days after baking. Do not freeze the cheese straws. They’d get soggy during the defrosting process.

Step-by-Step Directions To Make Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured board until it’s 10 by 12 inches. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the surface of the pastry. Sprinkle each sheet evenly with 1/4 cup of the parmesan, 1/2 cup of the gruyere, 1/2 teaspoon of the thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and some pepper. 

With the rolling pin, lightly press the flavorings into the puff pastry. Cut each sheet crosswise with a floured knife or pizza wheel into 11 or 12 strips. Twist each strip and lay on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned and puffed. Turn each straw and bake for another 2 minutes. Don’t overbake or the cheese will burn. Cool and serve at room temperature.