Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it out and make it slightly thinner. Cut the pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide and 4-6 inches long.
Add Cheese Filling:
- Place a small amount of shredded cheese in the center of each strip. If desired, sprinkle a little garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper over the cheese for added flavor.
Fold and Seal:
- Fold each strip in half lengthwise over the cheese, pressing the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are sealed well.
Brush with Egg Wash:
- Place the prepared cheese sticks on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese or add ingredients like cooked bacon, ham, or spinach for variety.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- These cheese puff pastry sticks can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your delicious cheese puff pastry sticks! They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!