Homemade Rosemary Parmesan Cheese Straws: A Crowd-Pleaser!

There's a reason these Rosemary Parmesan Cheese Straws are a party staple. They are elegant, incredibly delicious, and so easy to make that you'll never buy them from a store again. With their beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying, flaky crunch, they are a perfect savory snack, a beautiful addition to a cheese board, or a simple appetizer that will disappear in minutes.

The secret to this recipe is the use of store-bought puff pastry, which makes the process a breeze. The salty Parmesan and aromatic rosemary infuse the pastry as it bakes, creating a warm, savory, and irresistible bite. They are the perfect little something to serve with a cocktail or a glass of wine.

Homemade Rosemary Parmesan Cheese Straws

Yields: About 20-25 straws

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

  • 1 large egg, beaten1

  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped2

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • A pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).3 Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Unroll Pastry: Gently unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.

2. Add the Flavor

  1. Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg.

  2. Sprinkle: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the puff pastry.

3. Cut and Twist

  1. Cut into Strips: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the pastry sheet in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into ½-inch wide strips.

  2. Twist: Take each strip and gently twist it several times from both ends to create a spiral shape.

  3. Arrange: Place the twisted straws on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.4

4. Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese straws are puffed, golden brown, and crispy.

  2. Cool: Let the straws cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.5

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Straw

  • Thaw Properly: Make sure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. This will make it easier to work with and ensure a flaky result.

  • The Right Cheese: Use a high-quality block of Parmesan and grate it finely yourself. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly.6

  • Don't Overdo the Twist: A few gentle twists are all you need. Over-twisting can make the straws tough.

  • Bake in Batches: If you have a smaller baking sheet, bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can prevent the straws from puffing up and getting crispy.

  • Serve Fresh: These cheese straws are best served on the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.