These crowd-pleasing cheese straws are super easy to make and look stunning as part of a cocktail hour spread. Vary the cheeses and flavorings to create a different snack every time!
On a clean working surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry. Gently press the puff pastry flat, keeping the wrapping paper at the back to prevent the pastry from sticking to your working surface.
Brush the pastry all over with the egg yolk. Sprinkle with the cheese and walnuts, then generously season with black pepper. Gently press the garnishes down onto the pastry.
Using a pizza wheel or a very sharp knife, slice the sheet into two rectangles, then slice each rectangle into thin ½-in (1 cm) strips. Gently pick up 1 strip and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. As you set the strips down, twist the ends in opposite directions to tightly spiral the straws. Repeat to create all straws. Pick up the garnishes that have fallen off the straws during the process and carefully sprinkle them back over the twisted straws.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese straws are ready when they are puffed, deep golden brown, and dry to the touch.
Transfer the sheet to a rack and cool for 15 minutes.
SERVING: Serve the cheese straws cool or warm.
STORAGE: Cheese straws are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warming up the straws in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes will make them super crispy again.
CLEVER TIP: Don't want to or can't use nuts? You can substitute finely chopped, pitted olives, fresh or dried herbs, or seeds such as poppy or sesame seeds. Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a delightful flavor punch!
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