Grate the cheddar fine and laminate it into the puff so it crisps rather than pooling. Fold the cheese through one more roll, chill the twisted strips so they hold their spiral, and bake them hot until deep gold. Underbaked straws go limp within the hour.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook12 min
Makes20 straws
CuisineBritish
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for20straws
Puff pastry
A cold all-butter sheet that twists cleanly and crisps in the oven.
Laminate the cheeseRoll the pastry, scatter half the cheddar and the pepper over it, fold it in thirds, and roll again so the cheese is pressed between layers.
Cut and twistCut the sheet into half-inch strips, brush with egg, press on the rest of the cheese, and twist each strip into a spiral.
Chill the twistsLay them on parchment and chill 15 minutes so they hold their shape and the butter firms before baking.
Bake hotBake at 400F until deep golden and crisp, about 12 minutes. Cool on a rack so they stay snappy rather than steaming soft.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Cheese Straws? — Yes
Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.
Can you make Cheese Straws ahead of time? — Best fresh
Best made fresh and served soon — it loses its edge standing around. You can prep the parts ahead, but finish and serve it close to the table.
Is Cheese Straws gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Cheese Straws vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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