National Dish Austria: Cheese Straws (Recipe)
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Crisp, golden and irresistibly moreish, cheese straws are an Austrian classic that turns any gathering into a celebration. Made from flaky puff pastry wrapped around savoury cheese, these little twists are the perfect nibble for parties, an aperitif or simply a snack to enjoy on the sofa. They pair beautifully with a glass of wine or a cool beer, and best of all, they are wonderfully simple to make at home.
About Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are a much-loved staple of Austrian cuisine, prized as a snack and as finger food alike. These small, crisp delights are ideal for parties, as an aperitif, or just as a bite to keep you going between meals. They are built mainly around puff pastry filled with a savoury cheese, which gives them their distinctive, hearty flavour. Perfect alongside a glass of wine or a chilled beer, they are not only delicious but also genuinely easy to prepare.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 roll of puff pastry
- 100 g grated cheese (such as Emmental or Parmesan)
- 1 egg (for the egg wash)
- A pinch of salt
- Pepper and paprika, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients you need for cheese straws are easy to track down. Puff pastry is available in any well-stocked supermarket, often in the freezer aisle. Look out for a good-quality pastry that crisps up nicely in the oven. The cheese can vary to suit your taste, though aromatic varieties such as Emmental or Cheddar really come into their own here.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making your cheese straws, take the puff pastry out of the freezer in good time and let it thaw at room temperature. This step matters, as it makes the dough far easier to work with. While you wait, grate the cheese and get all the other ingredients ready so everything is within reach when the time comes. A tidy work surface makes the whole process not only simpler but a good deal more enjoyable, much as it does when rolling out an Apfelstrudel.
Step-by-step instructions
- Roll out the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Scatter the grated cheese evenly over one half of the rolled-out pastry.
- Fold the other half of the pastry over the top and press the edges together firmly.
- Using a sharp knife, cut long strips about 2 cm wide.
- Twist the strips gently, lay them on the tray and brush with the beaten egg.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper and paprika.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for around 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Anyone avoiding gluten or lactose can adapt cheese straws with ease. There are now plenty of gluten-free puff pastry alternatives on the market that taste just as good. For a lactose-free version, simply pick a suitable lactose-free cheese. Do take care to check tolerances when buying your ingredients if you have allergies or intolerances. The method itself stays exactly the same, as long as the alternatives stand in for the originals.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, cheese straws can be modified too. Use a vegan cheese that delivers a similar flavour, and replace the egg with plant-based milk or aquafaba to achieve that golden finish. Here again the preparation is unchanged; only the ingredients are swapped. Vegetarians can enjoy the classic version as it is, though you are equally free to reach for alternative cheeses depending on personal preference, just as you would when making a tray of Cheese Spätzle.
More tips and tricks
A few handy tips can take your cheese straws to the next level. Try different cheeses, or add spices such as cumin, oregano or fresh herbs for a special note of flavour. Playing with various cheese combinations can create some exciting results. Experimenting with fillings, too, like finely diced peppers or olives, can liven up your cheese straws and make them all the more interesting.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Cheese straws are remarkably adaptable to personal preference. Whether you like to be generous with the cheese or prefer things a little spicier, the ingredients can be tweaked to suit your palate. Be creative with the seasonings and add extra ingredients to build a flavour that is all your own. This flexibility is what makes the recipe so special, since everyone can experience it in their own way.
Ingredient substitutions
For a healthier take on cheese straws, you can swap the puff pastry for a wholemeal puff pastry with more fibre. Another option is to replace the cheese filling with a mixture of cottage cheese and herbs to lower the fat content. Experiment with different cheeses such as goat’s cheese or feta to give the straws a new direction. In the kitchen, there are few limits to creativity!
Drink pairing ideas
The right drinks to go with your cheese straws are key to rounding off the experience. A light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, pairs superbly with these savoury twists. Alternatively, a chilled beer or a fruity cider works well to bring out the flavours. Non-alcoholic choices such as a sparkling lemonade or a fresh fruit juice are a great option too, completing the taste beautifully.
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present your cheese straws can lift the whole experience considerably. Serve the twists on a handsome wooden board or in a stylish little basket for an appealing display. Decorate the plate with fresh herbs or a dip to enhance the visual effect. A creative presentation can leave a lasting impression on guests and heighten the anticipation, every bit as much as a generous Brettljause platter does.
A bit of history
Cheese straws have their roots in Austria’s culinary tradition, which is renowned for its savoury snacks. Originally beginning life as simple street fare, these cheesy twists grew hugely popular right across Austria and beyond. The pairing of puff pastry and cheese reflects a love of hearty, uncomplicated dishes that runs through Austrian cuisine. The tradition lives on to this day, and cheese straws remain a fixture at any celebration or event.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are not only a delicious snack for any time of day but also a brilliant option for special occasions. They could hardly be easier to make, and they adapt readily to all kinds of preferences. The crisp puff pastry and savoury cheese make them a recurring delicacy in Austrian cooking. Bring a little piece of Austria into your own kitchen with this recipe and delight in its many variations!
