Spicy Puffed Cheese Straws/Bites

I made these over the holidays and they are great to serve at a party.  They are easy and delicious. I prefer the bites versus the straws. And if you don't like spicy then just leave out the cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from an 18-ounce package, such as Pepperidge Farm/Trader Joe's), thawed
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 cup grated Cheddar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg1 teaspoon water

Line a baking sheet with parchment. Thaw frozen puff pastry sheet on counter for 1-2 hours.

Lightly roll out the sheet of pastry into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle, then brush with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the Cheddar, cayenne and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Using the rolling pin, press the cheese into the pastry. Cut the pastry into 12 strips. Twist 6 of the strips about 5 times and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. I cut the remaining 6 strips into 1"x1" pieces to make the bite size pieces. 

Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix together the egg and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl, brush the strips/bites with the mixture and sprinkle over the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake until golden brown and puffed, 12 to 15 minutes. Mine took a little longer. 

Perfect to serve at as appetizer at a party or great for a baby shower.

Recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond