Cheese twists (cheese straws)
These puff pastry cheese twists or cheese straws make a great snack or party nibble or appetizer and are so simple to make yourself.
These puff pastry cheese twists or cheese straws make a great snack or party nibble or appetizer. They’re so delicious fresh from the oven, and the addition of red pesto gives them an extra special bit of flavour.
We made them for a savoury bake sale at school, and I knew we didn’t have much time so needed a recipe which would be quick and easy for the kids. Using ready rolled puff pastry makes these super simple, and who can resist the tasty cheesy and crispy goodness from the delicious puff pastry twists.
If you liked these cheese twists, you might like to try our puff pastry cheese stars.
How can kids help make cheese twists?
This cheese twists recipe is really easy for kids – they can almost make them all by themselves. If you use ready made puff pastry, your kids can help spread the pesto and cheese on top before cutting them out and twisting them round. They really are that easy.
How do you store cheese twists?
I think cheese twists are best served fresh (even still a little warm from the oven). But you can store cheese twists in an airtight container for a few days. The straws might go a little soft after a few days but if you like, you can warm them a little in the oven to re-heat them before you serve them.
Can you freeze cheese straws?
You can freeze unbaked cheese straws. Simply freeze them for a few hours on a baking tray. Once they have firmed up, pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to a few months. You can then bake them straight from the freezer. There’s no need to defrost them first, but you might need add a few minutes to the cooking time.
What pastry are cheese twists / cheese straws made from?
Cheese straws / cheese twists are made from puff pastry. There’s no need to make your own. If you use a sheet or roll of puff pastry, which are easy to find in the supermarket, you can have these ready in no time.
What cheese should I use?
You’ll want a good strong hard cheese for these cheese twists. We’ve used parmesan or Grana Padano but you could swap that for a mature cheddar or something like Manchego.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 minutes plus 15 minutes baking
Serves: 12-15 twists
Ingredients
1 sheet of ready rolled puff pastry
2 tbsp red pesto
50g (1/2 cup) parmesan
1 egg
How to make cheese twists
Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan / 425F and line a baking sheet with baking/parchment paper
Prepare the puff pastry
Take the puff pastry out the fridge about half an hour before you start so it has time to warm up a bit before you use it.
Unroll the pastry carefully and lay it out on your work surface or a large chopping board. Cut it in half down the middle width ways.
Using the back of a spoon, spread the pesto over one half of the pastry.
Add the cheese
Grate the cheese (using the small side of your grater), then get your kids to sprinkle that all over your pastry, on top of the pesto. I find my kids still struggle to use our grater safely, so I tend to do that part myself then get them to add it to the dish. If your kids are older, they could do all this themselves.
Take the second sheet of puff pastry and add it to the top of the first sheet. Press it down firmly on top – you can either use your hands to do this, or a rolling pin.
Make the puff pastry twists
Get your kids to cut the puff pastry into strips around 1.5cm (½ inch) wide. We used a pizza cutter, but a sharp knife would also work – we cut it width ways so we could get more cheese straws.
Pick up each straw, get your kids to give them a few twists then place them on your baking tray. Once you’ve done them all, brush them with a little egg.
Bake the cheese twists
Bake the puff pastry twists in the oven for around 12-15 minutes. They’re ready when they’ve turned a nice golden brown and are crispy rather than soggy.
Enjoy!
Cheese twists
Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry
- 2 tbsp red pesto
- 50 g parmesan
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220C/200C Fan / 425F and line a baking sheet with baking/parchment paper
Prepare the puff pastry
- Take the puff pastry out the fridge about half an hour before you start so it has time to warm up a bit before you use it.
- Unroll the pastry carefully and lay it out on your work surface or a large chopping board. Cut it in half down the middle width ways.
- Using the back of a spoon, spread the pesto over one half of the pastry.
Add the cheese
- Grate the cheese (using the small side of your grater), then sprinkle that all over your pastry, on top of the pesto.
- Take the second sheet of puff pastry and add it to the top of the first sheet. Press it down firmly on top – you can either use your hands to do this, or a rolling pin.
Make the puff pastry twists
- Cut the puff pastry into strips around 1.5cm (½ inch) wide. We used a pizza cutter, but a sharp knife would also work – we cut it width ways so we could get more cheese straws.
- Pick up each straw, give them a few twists then place them on your baking tray. Once you’ve done them all, brush them with a little egg.
Bake the cheese twists
- Bake the puff pastry twists in the oven for around 12-15 minutes. They’re ready when they’ve turned a nice golden brown and are crispy rather than soggy.
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Similar recipes
Check our other pastry recipes or our favourite easy baking recipes for kids.
These must be gorgeous with the red pesto and parmesan!
The red pesto made these really tasty! It would be nice with the regular green pesto as well I think.