Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Steps

• Prep: Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line two baking sheets.
• Fill: Roll the pastry into a rectangle. Brush half with egg wash, scatter the cheese and paprika (if using) evenly over that half, and fold the unfilled half over on top.

  Tip: Press down firmly all over after folding to help the cheese and pastry bond together.

• Fill: Roll the folded pastry out gently to about 1/4 inch thick, pressing the cheese into an even layer inside.
• Shape: Cut into strips about 3/4 inch wide, then twist each strip several times along its length and lay on the sheets, pressing the ends down to stop them unwinding.

  Tip: The twist is what maximises exposed surface for crisping — don't skip it in favour of laying the strips flat.

• Bake: Brush with more egg wash and bake until deeply golden and crisp all the way through.
  ⏱ Start 15 min timer
• Cool: Cool on a rack — they crisp further as they cool.
  ⏱ Start 10 min timer