Prosciutto Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

My prosciutto puff pastry cheese twists are the perfect nibbles for parties and holiday gatherings. Easy to make, temping to look at and wonderfully fragrant when they come out of the oven, these gorgeous puff pastry ham and cheese twists put ready made cheese straws in the shade. 

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Gleaming golden cheese straws always make a great impression at a party. Combined with delicious prosciutto, they resemble something from the window of a fancy French bakery, a mouthwatering treat for your guests. However, they are very quick and easy to make – the ultimate four ingredient party food.

What’s more, these prosciutto and cheese straws are a great way to use up leftovers. If you bought ready made pastry for desserts, then this is the perfect way to make use of any spare sheets or even offcuts. If you are unsure of how to make cheese straws, now is the time to learn! 

How to Make Cheese Straws

To make these cheese and ham puff pastry twists, you simply sprinkle grated cheese over a sheet of ready made puff pastry. Cut it into strips (about 2.5 cm wide) and lay a strip of ham on each.

Then just twist, brush with a little beaten egg and pop onto a baking tray. Bake your ham and cheese twists at 220°C / 425°F / GM 7 for about 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Why You Will Love These Ham and Cheese Twists

• Everyone’s favourite party food 
• Effortlessly impressive 
• So easy to make
• Just four ingredients 
• Make ahead and reheat

Parma Ham Cheese Straws Ingredients 

You need just four simple ingredients. 

• Prosciutto or Parma Ham – Pick a good quality, thinly sliced cured ham.  
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated using a Microplane style grater.  You can use any Grana style Italian hard cheese, or even a crumbly extra mature cheddar. Please don’t use a tub of ready grated parmesan for your cheese twists, because it really doesn’t taste as good. 
• Egg 
• Puff Pastry – It is worth paying the extra for all-butter puff pastry, as it is so much nicer. I also prefer the ready rolled, which saves time, is neater than my rolling, and five pieces of ham fit neatly on it, so there is no waste. 

How to Make Prosciutto Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Step one – Assemble the ingredients. There are only four, so it doesn’t take long! Grate the cheese and beat the egg. Heat the oven to 220°C (Fan) / 425°F / GM 7.

Step two – Unroll the puff pastry onto baking parchment, and cover it with the grated cheese and a sprinkle of pepper (you don’t need any salt as both the cheese and ham is quite salty). Pat the cheese down into the pastry.  You can do this with a rolling pin, or gently press it down with your hand.   

Step three – Cover the cheese with slices of Prosciutto or other air-dried ham. 

Step four – Transfer the pastry and baking paper to a baking tray or sheet. Cut the pastry into 2.5 cm/1″ strips.  You should get 10 -12 straws from each sheet of pastry. 

Fuss Free Tip!

Unless you use a really sharp knife, the ham can drag, and with a sharp knife you will either cut your baking mat, or scratch the tray. I find the best and easiest way to do this is with kitchen scissors.   

Step five – Twist each strip with two full twists. If the pastry gets a bit sticky and hard to handle, pop the tray in the fridge to let everything firm up. Brush each cheese twist with the beaten egg, using a pastry brush.  

Pro Tip 

For a really professional polished presentation, twist each straw in the same direction. It doesn’t really matter, but it does make the final cheese straws look more professional. 

Step six – Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm. 

Sour Cream and Chive Dip for Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

We like to serve these ham and cheese twists with a sour cream and chive dip.  Just mix together:

• 1 heaped tablespoon of sour cream
• 1 heaped tablespoon mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons of finely chopped chives

Hints, Tips and Variations

• You can prepare your cheese straws a few hours in advance. Leave them in the fridge on the baking tray and then bake when you need them. 
• Once cooked, you can store your cheese straws in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat them gently in the oven when ready to serve. 
• Add some spice – I like a pinch of chilli flake or some oregano
• Brush the pastry with pesto before adding the parmesan
• Tomato Cheese Straws – cut up some sun dried tomatoes and press onto the pastry under the ham. 

How long can I keep Parma ham cheese straws for? 

These are so easy to make that I make them when needed.   However you can make them in advance and keep in an airtight container for a few days and reheat in a medium oven for 10 minutes before serving. 

Alternatively once cooked pack into airtight containers and freeze for up to 6 weeks, before defrosting and reheating as above.  

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5 from 14 votes

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Easy to make with ready made puff pastry, these sumptuous ham and cheese twists are perfect as snacks or canapes.

Servings: 10 cheese straws

Author: Helen Best-Shaw

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 320 g puff pastry (all butter, ready rolled)
• 20 g Grana Padano (or other hard cheese, finely grated)
• 5 slices prosciutto (or other air-dried ham)
• 1 egg (beaten)
• black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

• Grate the cheese. Heat oven to 220°C (Fan) / 425°F / GM 7.
• Unroll the puff pastry onto baking paper. Cover with the cheese, and pat it into the pastry.
• Cover the cheese with slices of ham.
• Transfer the pastry and baking paper onto a baking tray or sheet.
• Using a pair of scissors, cut the pastry into 2.5 cm / 1" strips.
• Twist each strip twice fully.
• Brush each strip with beaten egg.
• Bake for about 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can prepare your cheese straws a few hours in advance. Leave them in the fridge on the baking tray and then bake when you need them. 
• Once cooked, you can store your cheese straws in an airtight container for a few days. Reheat them gently in the oven when ready to serve. 
• Add some spice - I like a pinch of chilli flake or some oregano
• Brush the pastry with pesto before adding the parmesan
• Tomato Cheese Straws - cut up some sun dried tomatoes and press onto the pastry under the ham.
• These are so easy to make that I make them when needed.   However you can make them in advance and keep in an airtight container for a few days and reheat in a medium oven for 10 minutes before serving. 
• Alternatively once cooked pack into airtight containers and freeze for up to 6 weeks, before defrosting and reheating as above.  

Nutritional Information 

• This recipe is 10 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion 

• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.

Nutrition Facts

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Cheese Twists

Amount Per Serving

Calories 207 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 144mg6%

Potassium 34mg1%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 39IU1%

Calcium 29mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Canapé

Cuisine: Fusion

Keyword: cheese twists

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Update Notes: Parma ham cheese straws originally published October 2012.  Updated with new photos, step by step instructions and hints and tips December 2020