Ina Garten Cheese Straws Recipe

Ina Garten’s Cheese Straws are a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining, afternoon snacks, or holiday spreads. Made with flaky puff pastry, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of spice, these twisted golden straws are as delicious as they are easy to make.

They’re crisp, cheesy, and impossible to eat just one—making them a go-to party favorite.

What Are Ina Garten’s Cheese Straws?

Cheese straws are savory baked twists made from puff pastry, grated cheese, and optional seasonings like cayenne or mustard powder. Ina Garten’s version uses store-bought puff pastry, making it both convenient and reliably delicious. They’re baked until golden, puffed, and delightfully crisp.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• Quick to assemble – Uses frozen puff pastry
• Perfect for parties or snacks – Always a crowd-pleaser
• Rich and savory – Loaded with sharp cheddar flavor
• Elegant appearance – Twisted design adds charm
• Make-ahead friendly – Can be frozen before or after baking
• Customizable – Change the cheese or add spice to taste
• Pairs well with drinks – Ideal cocktail hour nibble

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ cup freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Flour, for dusting

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cheese Straws

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the egg wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll out the pastry

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle.

Step 4: Add the cheese and seasoning

Brush the pastry with the egg wash. Evenly sprinkle the cheddar, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and cayenne over half the sheet.

Step 5: Fold and roll again

Fold the pastry in half (like a book) over the cheese. Gently roll it again to seal and flatten to about 10×12 inches.

Step 6: Slice and twist

Cut the pastry into ½-inch wide strips. Twist each strip several times and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake until golden

Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• Cocktails or sparkling wine – A classic pairing
• Tomato soup or bisque – Use as a crunchy garnish
• Olives and cured meats – Adds to a charcuterie board
• Fresh fruit platter – Balances savory with sweet
• Soft cheeses or spreads – Great for dipping
• Herbed cream cheese or aioli – Adds richness
• Roasted nuts or pickled vegetables – For variety on a snack table

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• Keep pastry cold – Chill if it gets too soft while working
• Use sharp cheddar – For bold, cheesy flavor
• Don’t overload with cheese – Too much can cause leaking
• Twist gently but firmly – To keep the shape during baking
• Bake until deeply golden – Ensures they’re fully crisp
• Cool completely before storing – Keeps texture intact
• Double the batch for a party – They go fast!

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• Use Gruyère or smoked Gouda – Adds a unique flavor
• Add paprika or garlic powder – For extra seasoning
• Mix in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme – For herbal notes
• Top with sesame or poppy seeds – Extra crunch
• Make mini cheese bites instead of straws – Kid-friendly version
• Add a touch of Dijon mustard – Brushed inside for tang
• Use spicy pepper jack – For heat lovers

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• Store in an airtight container at room temp – Best within 2 days
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes – Restores crispness
• Freeze unbaked straws – Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes
• Freeze baked straws in zip bags – Reheat in the oven before serving
• Avoid refrigerating baked straws – Can make them soggy

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cheese Straws

• Oven: 300°F for 5–6 minutes – Brings back crispiness
• Air fryer: 300°F for 2–3 minutes – Quick and effective
• Avoid microwave – Will soften instead of crisp
• Don’t overheat – Cheese can overcook and darken
• Let cool a few minutes before serving – Helps restore crunch

Nutritional Value (per straw, approx.)

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sugar: <1g
• Sodium: 150mg

Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly portioned for snacking or serving with drinks.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten cheese straws ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. To serve warm, simply reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Can cheese straws be frozen?

Absolutely. You can freeze them unbaked or baked. If unbaked, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen. If baked, reheat in the oven for the best texture.

What type of cheese is best for cheese straws?

Sharp white cheddar is ideal for bold flavor, but you can also use Parmesan, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for variety.

Why did my cheese straws lose their shape during baking?

This often happens if the puff pastry is too warm. Keep the dough chilled before baking to help it hold its twist.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cheese Straws are the ideal blend of ease and elegance. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious appetizer that’s flaky, cheesy, and completely irresistible.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Soup
• Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo
• Ina Garten Baked Cod with Ritz Crackers
• Ina Garten Cod With Mustard Sauce

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