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These Cheddar & Chive Holiday Cheese Straws are a festive favorite in my house—bold, buttery, and downright irresistible. Think flaky pastry kissed with sharp cheese and a hint of fresh herbs… all baked into the perfect crunchy snack. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want something savory for your snack board, these have you covered. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated the season without them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I first made these for a snowy New Year’s Eve party years ago, and now they’re a non-negotiable tradition. They vanish faster than you’d believe—and not just from the kids’ table.
- Quick and easy with store-bought puff pastry
- Packed with sharp cheddar flavor and fresh herby zing
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
- Adaptable for different cheeses and herbs
- Perfect for gifts, parties, or snacking with wine
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (from a 16–17 oz package)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pro Tips
- Use a block of cheddar and grate it yourself—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- If your puff pastry is too warm, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before twisting. Cold dough = better puff!
- Mix things up with gouda, parmesan, or a sprinkle of cayenne for heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases.
- Brush the entire surface with beaten egg, reserving a little for later.
- Evenly sprinkle cheese, chives, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper over half the pastry sheet.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling like a book. Gently press and roll just slightly to secure.
- Brush the top with remaining egg wash.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice into ½-inch strips. Twist each strip gently and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 14–16 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Cut your cheese straws evenly to ensure they bake at the same rate—no sad, underdone twists.
- Don’t skip the egg wash—it makes the straws gorgeously golden and helps everything stick together.
- Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes after baking before transferring, so they don’t break easily.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap chives for thyme, rosemary, or scallions depending on what’s fresh in your fridge.
- Add crumbled bacon or finely chopped prosciutto for a meatier twist.
- Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup, with cocktails, or on a holiday charcuterie board.
- Want to make them giftable? Tie a few cooled straws in parchment and ribbon for gourmet-style holiday favors.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the straws, freeze them on a baking sheet, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
What if I don’t have fresh chives?
You can substitute 1 tablespoon dried chives, or try green onions, parsley, or skip them altogether for simple cheese straws.
How long do they stay crispy?
They’re best fresh but will keep crispy in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in a 350°F oven for a few minutes if needed.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll out pastry, brush with egg, and sprinkle filling over half. Fold, roll slightly, brush top with egg wash.
- Cut into strips, twist, and bake 14–16 minutes until golden. Cool slightly and serve.
Nutrition: 120 calories per serving
If you try these Cheddar & Chive Cheese Straws, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment, snap a photo for Instagram and tag @thekitchensaid—let’s see your holiday magic in the kitchen!
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