Parmesan Straws

Name: Parmesan Straws
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 24 straws
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (very cold, cut into small cubes); 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated); 3-4 tablespoons ice water

65 min 24 straws Medium

All Recipes

Parmesan Straws

Crispy and cheesy Parmesan straws perfect for parties or snacking.

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

65 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Parmesan straws are a delightful appetizer that combines the richness of butter with the sharpness of Parmesan cheese. These crispy, flaky snacks are perfect for serving at parties or as an accompaniment to a glass of wine. The secret to a perfect Parmesan straw lies in the quality of the cheese and the technique of folding the dough. When baked to golden perfection, these straws become a favourite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Servings

Dough

Instructions

Prepare dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Pro tip: Ensure the flour is spooned and levelled for accuracy.

Incorporate butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pro tip: Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.

Add Parmesan and water

Stir in 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually add 3-4 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together.

Pro tip: Do not overwork the dough to keep it tender.

Chill the dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: Chilling helps the dough maintain its shape during baking.

Roll out the dough

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Pro tip: Use a rolling pin with guide rings for even thickness.

Cut and bake

Cut the dough into long strips, about 1 cm wide. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Pro tip: Space the straws evenly for uniform baking.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use very cold butter for optimal flakiness.</li><li>Grate the Parmesan finely for even distribution.</li><li>Chill the dough before baking to maintain shape.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve Parmesan straws warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce or a creamy aioli. You can make these straws ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. For extra crispiness, reheat them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for a few minutes before serving.