Classic New Zealand Baked Cheese Straws

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: about 10 cheese straws

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry

1 cup Zeal Creamery Cheddar Cheese, grated

1⁄8 tsp cayenne pepper

1⁄2 tsp mustard powder

1⁄4 tsp kosher salt

1 large egg + 1 tsp water, beaten

2-3 tbsp pesto

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl combine grated cheese, cayenne pepper, mustard powder and salt. Toss

to combine.

3. Dust a clean work surface with a bit of flour and place a thawed sheet of store bought

puff pastry out.

4. Brush the puff pastry with the egg wash.

5. Spoon the pesto and sprinkle the cheese mixture over half of the puff pastry sheet. Fold

the other half over top of the cheese, folding it like a book. Use a rolling pin to gently roll

over the puff pastry to make sure the two sides adhere to each other and the cheese stays

tucked inside.

6. Use a knife or pizza wheel to cut the sheet lengthwise into about 1⁄2 inch to 3⁄4 inch strips.

7. Set one strip at a time onto the prepared baking sheet and gently twist it. Press the down

the ends of the strip onto the sheet pan, preventing the cheese straw from unfurling

while baking. Make sure the dough stays cold while you continue with the remaining

dough. Keeping the dough cold before baking will result in a flakey and crisp cheese

straw.

8. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

9. Serve with charcuterie, dips, and more zeal creamery cheddar!