Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry
   Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and allow it to come to room temperature for about 5 minutes.
2. Add the butter and cheese mixture
   Brush the pastry sheet with melted butter. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, cheddar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over half of the buttered pastry sheet.
3. Fold and add more cheese
   Fold the plain half of the pastry over the cheese-covered half and press gently to seal. Brush the top with the egg wash, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese mixture, pressing it lightly into the pastry.
4. Cut into strips
   Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips approximately 1cm (1/2 inch) wide and 25cm (10 inches) long. Twist each strip several times by holding the ends and rotating in opposite directions.
5. Place on baking sheets
   Arrange the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2cm (3/4 inch) between each to allow for expansion. Press down the ends firmly onto the baking sheet to prevent unraveling during baking.
6. Bake until golden
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through cooking time, until the straws are puffed and golden brown.
7. Cool and serve
   Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.