This crispy, flaky Martha Stewart 3 Ingredient Appetizer Recipe is made with puff pastry, Parmesan cheese, and paprika, and is ready in just 35 minutes. When the pastry puffs up in the oven, the cheese creates a golden, caramelized crust that shatters beautifully with every bite. I love how this recipe proves that you don’t need a long grocery list to create something elegant and addictive.
Why This Classic Works
I used to think making bakery-style cheese straws required complex lamination or professional skills, but this method strips everything back to the essentials. The genius here lies in using the rolling pin to physically press the cheese into the dough, which eliminates the need for messy egg washes while ensuring every inch is packed with flavor.
Using high-quality store-bought puff pastry allows you to focus entirely on the texture. The heat of the oven expands the buttery layers of the pastry while simultaneously melting the Parmesan into a savory, crisp lace that holds the twists together perfectly.
Martha Stewart 3 Ingredient Appetizer Recipe Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (preferably all-butter)
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper for heat)
How To Make Martha Stewart 3 Ingredient Appetizer Recipe
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, toss the finely grated Parmesan cheese with the paprika until evenly combined.
- Roll the Dough: Scatter half of the cheese mixture onto a clean work surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and place it on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture over the top of the pastry.
- Embed the Cheese: Using a rolling pin, firmly roll the dough out into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches), pressing down hard enough to force the cheese into the pastry on both sides.
- Cut and Twist: With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into long strips about 3/4-inch wide. Gently twist each strip from end to end to create a spiral shape and place them on the prepared baking sheets, pressing the ends down slightly to hold the shape.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the straws are puffed, golden brown, and feel dry to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to crisp up before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Keep it cold: Puff pastry relies on cold butter to rise. If your dough gets too warm and sticky while twisting, pop the baking sheet in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to ensure maximum puff.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly. For the best caramelized crust, buy a block of Parmesan and grate it finely yourself using a microplane.
- Watch the color: The cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; you want a deep golden hue, not dark brown.
What To Serve With Cheese Straws
These savory twists are the perfect companion to a glass of champagne or a crisp white wine at a cocktail hour. They also work beautifully served alongside a creamy tomato soup or a roasted red pepper dip, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with smooth bowls and spreads.
How To Store
Store fully cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; refrigerating them will make the pastry soggy. If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the unbaked twisted strips on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, any hard, dry cheese works well. Pecorino Romano, aged Gruyère, or an aged sharp cheddar can be substituted, provided they are finely grated to stick to the dough.
Why did my cheese straws unroll while baking?
This usually happens if the ends weren’t pressed down or if the dough was too warm. Make sure to press the ends of each twist firmly onto the baking sheet and chill the dough if it feels soft.
Can I add dried herbs?
Absolutely. Dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be mixed into the cheese before rolling. Avoid fresh herbs as they may burn at the high baking temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 7g
- Protein: 4g
Try More Recipes:
- Martha Stewart 7 Layer Dip Recipe
- Martha Stewart 20 Minute Bread Recipe
- Martha Stewart Sweet Potato Spoon Bread Recipe
Martha Stewart 3 Ingredient Appetizer Recipe
Description
This flaky, crispy Martha Stewart 3 Ingredient Appetizer Recipe transforms simple puff pastry into elegant cheese straws in just 35 minutes. Using only Parmesan, paprika, and pastry, it delivers a savory, caramelized crunch that is perfect for cocktail parties or holiday snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a small bowl, toss the finely grated Parmesan cheese with the paprika until evenly combined.
- Scatter half of the cheese mixture onto a clean work surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and place it on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture over the top of the pastry.
- Using a rolling pin, firmly roll the dough out into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches), pressing down hard enough to force the cheese into the pastry on both sides.
- With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into long strips about 3/4-inch wide.
- Gently twist each strip from end to end to create a spiral shape and place them on the prepared baking sheets, pressing the ends down slightly to hold the shape.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the straws are puffed, golden brown, and feel dry to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to crisp up before serving.