- These cheese straws come together with just three simple ingredients.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano provides a source of protein and satiety to these crispy cheese straws.
- You can make these straws ahead of time, so they’re perfect for holiday parties.
These Puff Pastry Cheese Straws are a party classic that never gets old. Buttery layers of puff pastry are twisted with Parmesan cheese and garlic, baking into airy, crunchy straws that are as fun to eat as they are to serve. The best part? They’re remarkably simple to prepare ahead—assemble and chill on a baking sheet, then pop them in the oven just before guests arrive. With just three ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum payoff with minimal effort. Read on for how to make them yours below!
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
- Work with chilled puff pastry so the butter stays firm—this ensures flaky, puffed layers. If the puff pastry warms up as you work, pop it back in the fridge or freezer to firm up.
- Puff pastry expands during baking; leave room between the straws so they crisp up in the oven rather than steam.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano is often worth choosing over generic Parmesan. It has a deeper, nuttier and more complex flavor than many domestic “Parmesan” cheeses.
Nutrition Notes
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese provides a source of protein to this snack, thanks to 10 grams of protein per ounce, helping increase the satiety of these cheese straws so you’ll feel more satisfied. It’s important to note that a key ingredient in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is animal rennet, which means this particular cheese isn’t vegetarian. If you are looking to create a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can make it with Parmesan cheese made with enzymes.
- Garlic adds both flavor and nutrition to any recipe. You’ll find immune-supporting benefits from a compound found in garlic (and onions and chives) called allicin. Garlic has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and also helps to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Puff pastry may not have a lot of nutritional value, but it does contain some protein that can add satiety to these cheese straws. Plus, it gives these cheese straws a satisfying crunch! Pairing these cheese straws with another source of lean protein or fiber, such as a hard-boiled egg or an apple, can help create a more satisfying snack.
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
