Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws bring a delicious combination of rich, roasted garlic, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh thyme, all layered in a flaky puff pastry. These golden, twisted cheese straws are perfect as an appetizer, a snack for gatherings, or even as a flavorful addition to a charcuterie board. Easy to make yet sophisticated in taste, these cheese straws deliver the warm, comforting flavors of roasted garlic and herb with a savory, cheesy punch.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make these delicious cheese straws from scratch, along with tips for achieving a perfectly crisp texture, variations for customization, and serving suggestions for pairing. By the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe for an appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws

1. Sophisticated Flavor Combination

The combination of roasted garlic, fresh thyme, and sharp cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan elevates these cheese straws beyond ordinary snacks. Roasted garlic adds a deep, caramelized flavor, while fresh thyme introduces a subtle herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese.

2. Easy to Make with Minimal Ingredients

Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe simple and quick, without compromising on quality. With just a few ingredients, you can achieve a high-quality, gourmet snack in a short amount of time, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute entertaining.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cheese straws are incredibly versatile. They make a wonderful snack for wine nights, an elegant addition to holiday platters, or a unique appetizer for family gatherings. Their flaky texture and savory flavor appeal to a wide range of tastes.

4. Endlessly Customizable

While delicious as written, this recipe also serves as a great foundation for experimentation. You can try different cheeses, herbs, or even add spices to create new flavors, allowing you to tailor the cheese straws to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws

Here’s what you’ll need to make 24 cheese straws:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Puff pastry forms the flaky, buttery base for the cheese straws, creating a crisp texture.
  • 1 head garlic: Roasting garlic transforms its sharp flavor into a sweet, mellow taste that complements the cheeses and thyme.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to roast the garlic, infusing it with a touch of richness.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated: Adds a strong, savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Parmesan offers a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the cheddar and thyme.
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that balances the savory cheeses.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Brushing the straws with egg wash helps achieve a golden, glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

  1. Prepare the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, then wrap it in aluminum foil.
  2. Roast: Place the garlic in the oven and roast for 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Herb Mixture

  1. Combine cheeses and thyme: In a medium bowl, mix together the grated cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the roasted garlic paste and mix until fully incorporated, creating a flavorful filling for the cheese straws.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Puff Pastry

  1. Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any creases, creating a slightly larger rectangle.
  2. Spread the filling: Spread half of the cheese mixture over one half of the pastry, pressing down gently to help it stick to the pastry.
  3. Fold and seal: Fold the other half of the pastry over the cheese-covered half. Use a rolling pin to press down lightly, sealing the edges and incorporating the filling into the pastry.

Step 4: Cut and Twist the Straws

  1. Slice into strips: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the filled pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips.
  2. Twist each strip: Hold each strip by both ends and twist gently to create a spiral shape. Place each twist on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for expansion.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

  1. Apply egg wash: Brush each twist with the beaten egg to give the straws a beautiful golden-brown finish.
  2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the straws are golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Cool and enjoy: Serve the cheese straws warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with dips, on a cheese board, or simply as a standalone snack.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws

1. Roast Garlic Until Caramelized

Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and brings out natural sweetness. Make sure to roast until the cloves are soft and golden to achieve a deeper, more balanced flavor in your cheese straws.

2. Use Fresh Thyme for Optimal Flavor

Fresh thyme adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich cheese. Dried thyme can be used if fresh is unavailable, but the flavor will be slightly different.

3. Keep the Puff Pastry Cold

Puff pastry performs best when it’s kept cold, as the butter in the dough creates steam pockets for flakiness. If the pastry starts to warm up or feel sticky, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before proceeding.

4. Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can make the twists difficult to form and prevent the layers from puffing. Spread the filling evenly but keep a thin layer to ensure even baking.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 cheese straw):

  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 80mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations of Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws

This recipe serves as a great base for creative variations. Here are some ideas to change up the flavors:

1. Try Different Cheeses

Substitute or add different cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda add depth and richness, while mozzarella provides a milder taste and a gooey texture.

2. Add Crushed Red Pepper for Heat

For a spicy kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese filling. The heat complements the savory cheese and garlic, creating a balanced, zesty snack.

3. Incorporate Fresh Herbs

Switch out thyme for rosemary, sage, or a combination of herbs. Fresh rosemary adds a piney aroma, while sage introduces a hint of earthiness.

4. Add a Touch of Dijon Mustard

For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the pastry before adding the cheese mixture. The mustard’s tanginess pairs well with the cheese and enhances the overall flavor.

5. Experiment with Spices

For a unique twist, try adding smoked paprika, ground cumin, or a pinch of garlic powder to the cheese mixture. These spices bring warmth and depth to the cheese straws.

Pairing Suggestions

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks:

  • Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these cheese straws with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy mustard dip for added flavor.
  • Add to a Cheese Board: Include the cheese straws as part of a charcuterie or cheese board, alongside cured meats, olives, and fresh fruit.
  • Pair with Wine: A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the richness of the cheese. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir or Merlot pairs well.
  • Accompany with Fresh Vegetables: Serve with fresh vegetable sticks or a simple salad to balance the richness of the cheese straws.

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Cheese Straws are a savory, flaky treat that’s easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor. With the deep, caramelized taste of roasted garlic, the freshness of thyme, and the sharpness of cheddar and Parmesan, these cheese straws are an elevated snack or appetizer fit for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving them with a glass of wine, adding them to a cheese board, or enjoying them on their own, these cheese straws are sure to impress. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and light, crispy texture of this delicious appetizer!