These Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws feature flaky puff pastry layered with two types of pesto and parmesan cheese, then twisted into golden, crispy straws that make the perfect snack or appetizer!

Overhead shot of crispy pesto parmesan cheese straws served on a white plate.

before you get started / kelley’s tips

  • Thaw puff pastry before assembling. Make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed before using so it rolls out smoothly, and it makes twisting a lot easier!
  • Twist the straws tightly! When you twist the cheese straws, be sure to twist tightly so they hold their shape during baking. They will loosen up a little while baking, which is totally time!
  • Bake until golden. Keep an eye on the oven—bake until the straws are golden brown and crispy for that perfect crunch!

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    Ingredients Needed

    • Egg: Brushing the puff pastry with egg helps create that golden, crispy exterior! It also gives the parmesan cheese something to adhere to.
    • Pesto & Sun Dried Tomato Pesto: A mix of classic basil pesto and sun-dried tomato pesto adds a combination of fresh and tangy flavors! Feel free to use your favorite pesto recipe or store bought pesto to make this recipe even easier.
    • Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy. Be sure it’s fully thawed before using for best results.
    • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor!

    How to Make Pesto Cheese Straws

    1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Prep Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares. Using a fork score each square to help release stem while baking.
    Four squares of puff pastry on a baking sheet with scores in them from a fork.
    1. Add Pesto & Stack: Lay one square onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread 1 tbsp of the basil pesto onto the puff pastry.
    Sheets of puff pastry stacked on top of each other with layers of pesto in between.
    1. Add a Layer of Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Top with another square of puff pastry then spread with 1 tbsp of the sun-dried pesto. Repeat with another square and the remaining tbsp of basil pesto. Top with the remaining square of puff pastry.
    2. Cut into Strips: Cut the stacked square into 6 or 8 pieces. Holding both ends twist each cheese straw stretching into a long rope twisting as you go.
    Pesto parmesan cheese straws assembled and placed on a baking sheet.
    1. Bake: Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy!
    2. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served right out of the oven!
    Pesto parmesan cheese straws on a baking sheet after being baked.

    Serving Suggestions

    These pesto parmesan cheese straws are best enjoyed hot from the oven, when they’re at their crispiest. Serve them as a starter at your next party or cozy movie night and pair them with a dip like marinara sauce, homemade ranch, or a garlic aioli!

    They also make a great side dish to serve with soups or pastas! Try serving them with my lasagna soup, Italian meatball soup, or Boursin broccoli pasta!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make puff pastry straws ahead of time?

    Yes! While these cheese straws are best served fresh out of the oven, you can assemble them in advance, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.

    How should I store leftover pesto parmesan cheese straws?

    If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I recommend reheating them in the oven or in an air fryer to make them crispy and warm again before serving!

    Pesto puff pastry straws on a white plate.

    More Appetizer Recipes to Try

    Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws

    These Pesto Parmesan Cheese Straws feature flaky puff pastry layered with rich basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, and sharp parmesan cheese, then twisted into golden, crispy straws that make the perfect snack! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party and need a quick appetizer or just need a savory treat, these cheese straws will disappear as fast as you can bake them!
    Servings: 4
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • 1 large egg, whisked
    • 2 tbsp pesto
    • 1 tbsp sun dried tomato pesto
    • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
    • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

    Instructions 

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the puff pasty and cut into 4 equal squares. Using a fork score each square to help release stem while baking.
    • Lay one square onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread 1 tbsp of the basil pesto onto the puff pastry.
      Top with another square of puff pastry then spread with 1 tbsp of the sun-dried pesto. Repeat with another square and the remaining tbsp of basil pesto. Top with the remaining square of puff pastry.
    • Cut the stacked square into 6 or 8 pieces.
      Holding both ends twist each cheese straw stretching into a long rope twisting as you go.
    • Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy!
      Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best served right out of the oven!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 315mgPotassium: 57mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 263IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 2mg

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