Description
Crisp rosemary parmesan cheese straws offer a sophisticated twist on classic appetizers, blending herbal and savory notes into delicate pastry bites. Guests will crave these elegant snacks that elevate any gathering with Mediterranean charm and irresistible crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Herbs:
- 5 ounces (141 grams) fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) minced rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) fennel seeds
Pastry Base:
- 1 package pepperidge farm® puff pastry sheets, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
Seasoning and Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 milliliters) garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 milliliters) black pepper
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets for crispy cheese straws.
- Create a flavor-enhancing egg wash by whisking egg, milk, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously dust a work surface with flour and carefully roll each puff pastry sheet into a thin 10×12 inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness.
- Apply egg wash generously to the first pastry sheet, then artfully distribute rosemary, fennel seeds, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan across the surface.
- Carefully overlay the second pastry sheet, brushing with additional egg wash and sprinkling remaining herb and cheese toppings.
- Use a rolling pin to gently compress the layered pastry, ensuring ingredients adhere securely.
- Slice the pastry into precise 1/2-inch strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for uniform cheese straws.
- Twist each strip by gripping both ends and rotating in opposite directions, creating elegant spiral shapes.
- Arrange twisted straws on prepared baking sheets and briefly chill for 10 minutes to maintain structural integrity.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, carefully rotate straws, then continue baking 4-6 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp appearance.
- Remove from oven and serve warm for maximum flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Assemble cheese straws up to a day in advance and store them refrigerated, separated by parchment paper to maintain their crispy texture.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or make a homemade version using almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
- Flavor Variation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano instead of rosemary, or swap Parmesan for aged cheddar to create unique taste profiles.
- Storage Tip: Keep leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, recrisping in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg