Crispy Cheese Twists

Step 1

Grate6 oz. cheeseon the medium holes of a box grater. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 400°.

→ Oh, is that the only side of the box grater you use? Read this.

Step 2

Dust work surface lightly withflourand unfold or unrollpuff pastryon surface. Roll out lightly with a rolling pin to smooth creases, then cut pastry in half crosswise. (If you’re using a brand of puff pastry that comes with 2 sheets instead of 1, just roll out each piece lightly but don’t cut.)

Step 3

Mix1 egg yolkand1 tsp. waterwith pastry brush in a small bowl. Lightly brush egg wash across surface of 1 piece of pastry.

Step 4

Sprinkle half of grated cheese all over egg-washed surface in an even layer.

Step 5

Using your fingertips and holding your hand at least 8" above the surface, sprinkle½ tsp. paprika, then⅛ tsp. cayenneover cheese. Season withsalt(go easy if you’re already using a salty cheese like Parm), then very generously season withblack pepper.

Step 6

Place second sheet of puff pastry over top, aligning edges, and press gently to flatten. Lightly brush surface of second sheet with more egg wash.

Step 7

Sprinkle with remainingcheese,paprika, andcayenne; season withsaltandpepper.

Step 8

尘埃擀面杖一点面粉。温柔的方式l over top of pastry (yes, you’re rolling directly over the cheese). If bottom layer of pastry starts to stick, dust underneath with more flour, or if rolling pin starts to stick to cheese, dust pin with more flour. Roll pastry out to a long rectangle just under ¼" thick. The dimensions aren’t important, but try to keep the rectangle under a foot in length (otherwise, the straws will be too long to handle).

Step 9

Using your knife, cut rectangle into ½"-thick strips. For fewer straws that are longer, cut lengthwise. For more straws that are shorter (and easier to handle), cut crosswise.

Step 10

Working one strip at a time, transfer to prepared sheets and twist 2 ends in opposite directions several times. Repeat, spacing twists about 1" apart, until you’ve used all the pastry and filled both sheets.

Step 11

Bake cheese straws, rotating pans once top to bottom and front to back, until golden brown and cheese is toasted and crisp, 12–18 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets. Carefully remove from parchment and serve.

Step 12

Do Ahead:Unbaked twists can be made 1 month ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic on baking sheet and freeze. Bake directly from freezer without thawing (increase bake time by several minutes).