Christmas Tree Cheese Straws a Festive Star Bake
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a festive nibble? These Christmas Tree Cheese Straws are the appetizer for Christmas you need. Honestly, who can resist cheesy, flaky, star shaped goodness at Christmas ?
Brief Overview
These cute cheese straws are inspired by classic cheesy straws. They're a doddle to make, even if you've never made puff pastry before.
This Christmas Party Food Spread is perfect for impressing guests, or just for a cheeky snack! This recipe is medium difficulty.
Prep time is 30- 45 minutes and cook time is 15- 20 minutes and makes about 20-25 stars.
Main Benefits
These cheese straws are a great source of calcium from the cheese. They are perfect as Christmas Dinner Snacks while you wait for the main event.
What makes them special? They look amazing and taste even better! A perfect way to impress your guests! Plus, they're so much tastier than shop bought ones trust me! These are also great Christmas Dinner Appetizers Finger Foods.
Right then, let's talk ingredients, shall we?
You'll need some puff pastry. You can buy ready-made stuff (no judgement here!), or be a total rockstar and make your own.
Think of it like a fun Sunday afternoon project. Then, we're talking cheddar, Dijon mustard, and an egg. Simple as that! These will certainly elevate your Appetizers Christmas Party and become an instant hit.
Now, let's get to making these cheese straws.
First, you'll roll out the pastry, spread on the cheesy mix, and cut out your stars. These are great Easy Christmas Appetizers.
Bake them until golden and puffed and boom, Festive Appetizers Christmas are ready. If you are thinking on ways to prepare them ahead of time, these are great make-ahead christmas appetizers .
You can have them ready for your Christmas eve appetizers or an Elegant christmas appetizers .
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, so you want to make these Christmas Tree Cheese Straws ? Ace! Let's get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need.
Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds. These little beauties are fabulously festive appetizers christmas and super tasty. They're bound to be the star of your Christmas party food spread .
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Okay, ingredients first. We need these for the puff pastry which, let's be honest, is the star of the show. Or just buy the ready-made stuff. No judgement here.
- All-purpose flour: 250g (9 oz/2 cups), plus extra for dusting. Just your bog-standard flour.
- Cold unsalted butter: 250g (9 oz/1 cup + 2 tablespoons), cubed. The colder the butter, the flakier the pastry, trust me.
- Ice water: 125ml (4 fl oz/ ½ cup). Keep it chilly.
- Pinch of salt. Just a wee one.
For the cheesy goodness:
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 150g (5.3 oz/1 ½ cups), finely grated. Go for a mature cheddar, it makes all the difference. Look for a cheese that smells, you know, cheesy .
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp . Adds a little kick.
- Medium egg: 1 , beaten (for egg wash). Makes them golden and shiny.
- Optional: Poppy seeds or sesame seeds for decoration. These easy christmas appetizers will make your plate pop!.
You are looking for a Christmas dinner snacks and this is it!
Seasoning & Flavours
Okay, seasoning is where you can get creative with your Christmas Dinner Appetizers Finger Foods . I like a simple combo of Dijon mustard and cheddar, but feel free to experiment!
- Essential spice combination: Cheddar and Dijon is a winner, obviously.
- Flavor enhancers: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme are lovely too.
- Quick substitution options: Whole grain mustard works well instead of Dijon. Gruyere is a fantastic cheese alternative.
The Tools You'll Need
No fancy gear required. Let's face it, who has space for more kitchen gadgets?. These appetizers christmas party are really easy.
- Food processor: Optional, for making the puff pastry, but saves time. You can also do it by hand.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pastry, naturally.
- Baking sheets. So your Cheese Stars don't end up directly on the oven rack.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Stops them from sticking.
- Small star shaped cookie cutter (various sizes). The stars of the show, literally!. It makes perfect Christmas eve appetizers
- Small bowl for egg wash.
- Pastry brush. To brush on the egg wash.
And that's that!. Now you're equipped to make these elegant christmas appetizers . Let's get baking. You can impress everybody with make-ahead christmas appetizers .
Enjoy creating your festive appetizers christmas .
Christmas Tree Cheese Straws: A Festive Star (Bake!)
Honestly, nothing screams " Christmas Party Food Spread " like something shaped like a tree, right? I came up with this Christmas Dinner Appetizer Finger Food recipe.
My friend suggested these cheesy puff pastry Christmas Tree Cheese Straws for our upcoming Appetizers Christmas Party , and oh my gosh, I knew I had to share! It's a fun, festive easy christmas appetizers alternative to all the sweet stuff we usually OD on during the holidays.
The best part? Even my super picky nephew demolishes these.
Prep Steps
- Essential mise en place: First things first, get everything prepped. Grate your cheddar cheese. If you're making your own puff pastry, give yourself a pat on the back and get going! If you want the Easy christmas appetizers , buy a ready-made puff pastry. I'm usually all about shortcuts at Christmas Eve appetizers , honestly!
- Time saving organization tips: Seriously, measure out your ingredients before you even think about turning on the oven. It'll save you a load of time and stress.
- Safety reminders: Sharp knives and hot ovens are not your friends if you're not careful. Keep your fingers out of the way while cutting, and always use oven gloves!
step-by-step Process
- Make the cheese filling: Combine grated cheddar and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry. Aim for about 1/8 inch (3mm) thickness.
- Spread the cheese filling: Evenly distribute the cheese filling over the pastry.
- Fold and seal: Fold the pastry in half. Gently press to seal.
- Cut out star shapes: Use star shaped cookie cutters of various sizes.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the star cutouts on parchment lined baking sheets.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds for a Festive appetizers christmas .
- Bake: Bake at 200° C ( 400° F) for 15- 20 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips
- For make-ahead christmas appetizers , you can assemble the cheese straws a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven, you know? They can go from golden brown to burnt in a heartbeat. Trust me , I've been there.
- Avoid overworking the puff pastry, it gets tough. Handle gently!
These Christmas Dinner Snacks are a perfect addition to any Christmas Dinner Party Appetizers spread. I reckon, they might just become your go-to " appetizer for christmas " recipe.
You can arrange the star christmas appetizers party on a platter for an Elegant christmas appetizers presentation. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Festive Cheese Straw Trees
Right then, so you're ready to whip up these Christmas Tree Cheese Straws ? Ace! Before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure your appetizer for christmas is a total triumph.
I've learned these things the hard way, you know?
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!
Honestly, presentation is half the battle, especially when you're putting on the Christmas Dinner Party Appetizers . Pile these little beauties high on a festive platter.
Sprinkle a little extra cheese around, you know, like snow! They would look amazing with a small bowl of cranberry sauce for dipping.
A glass of Prosecco alongside doesn't hurt either it's Christmas Eve Appetizers , after all!
Storage Tips: Making 'Em Last
These are best enjoyed fresh, let’s be real. But if you've got leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They'll be fine for a day or two. You can freeze them. Wrap them well, then reheat them in a low oven (around 175° C or 350° F) until they're warmed through and crispy again.
Avoid microwaving unless you like soggy straws.
Variations: Making It Your Christmas Party Food Spread!
Want to mix things up? You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mix for a spicy kick.
Or how about swapping the cheddar for Gruyere? Very posh. For a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free puff pastry. Easy peasy.
It would be fantastic Festive appetizers christmas .
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit About the Goodness
Okay, let's be honest, these aren't exactly health food. But they are delicious and made with real ingredients! Each serving clocks in at roughly 180 calories.
They have around 6g of protein and 12g of fat. They provide about 13g of carbs too. These cheese straws are a great Christmas dinner snacks .
The cheddar cheese provides some calcium and protein, so there is goodness in those Easy christmas appetizers . You can’t argue with the Elegant christmas appetizers .
Honestly? These cheese straws are a total winner. They look impressive. They taste fantastic. And they are seriously easy. So, go on, give them a go.
I know you will smash it! Happy baking, you amazing legend! You may even be able to make-ahead christmas appetizers , meaning less stress on the day! I would really recommend them as Christmas Dinner Appetizers Finger Foods .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Christmas tree cheese straws ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese straws up to the point of baking. Assemble the trees on the baking sheets, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and bake as directed.
This makes them a stress free appetizer for Christmas gatherings!
I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen. Is this cheesy appetizer for Christmas really "easy" to make?
Right, so here's the deal. Making your own puff pastry from scratch does add a bit of complexity - it's like attempting a Victoria Sponge for the first time. However, using store-bought puff pastry makes these cheese straws super easy more like throwing together a cheese and pickle sandwich!
Just thaw, assemble, and bake. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
What's the best way to store leftover cheese straw Christmas trees?
To keep your festive treats fresh, store any leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They might lose a bit of their crispness, but they'll still be delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze them!
Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer safe container or bag. Reheat in a low oven (around 150°C / 300°F) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Can I use different cheeses or add other flavors to these Christmas tree cheese straws?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. Cheddar is great, but feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a smoked cheese for a different flavour profile.
You can also add spices like cayenne pepper for a kick, or incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthier taste get creative and make it your own!
Are these cheese straws a healthy appetizer for Christmas? What's the nutritional information?
While they're not exactly kale smoothies, these cheese straws are a savory alternative to all the sweet treats around Christmas. The nutritional information will vary based on ingredients and serving size, but each serving (approx.
1-2 trees) contains calories: 180, Protein: 6g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: <1g, Sodium: 250mg. Consider using whole wheat pastry for added fiber. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced festive spread!
Can I adapt this appetizer for christmas to suit a gluten-free or dairy-free diet?
You bet! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many supermarkets now stock decent gluten-free options. For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute the cheddar with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Be mindful that the taste might differ slightly, so sample the cheese before committing.
Remember to check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. A delicious appetizer for everyone!
Christmas Tree Cheese Straws A Festive Star Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
