Puff pastry breadsticks

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PRESENTATION

Puff pastry breadsticks bring such a crispy, fun twist to the classic Italian grissini that people everywhere know and love. Really, they do. Instead of the usual bread dough, these breadsticks get their flaky crunch from buttery pastry sheets. They're rolled up with cooked ham and a good sprinkle of grated cheese. And the result? Once baked, they turn golden and tender inside, just perfect for grabbing during an aperitivo with friends or as a quick bite before dinner. You’ll see these all over northern Italy, especially around Turin, where grissini started out. But here's the deal: this easy version takes way less time and feels a bit more special. The moist cheese and ham filling means every bite is packed with something savory and satisfying—which is why people reach for them at parties and get-togethers all the time.

These easy puff pastry breadsticks are a hit because you can switch things up by tossing in different cold cuts, changing the cheese, or even going vegetarian with pesto, veggie spreads, or herbs. That's what makes homemade puff pastry breadsticks super popular for last-minute snacks or party appetizers—you can make them your own with whatever’s in the fridge. And you know what? Some sprinkle extra cheese or seeds on top before baking for that extra crispy finish. The result is a batch of golden, flaky breadsticks that work warm or at room temp, so you don’t have to stress about timing. Compared to other quick breadstick recipes, these are about as simple as it gets—no long rising times, no kneading, just a few easy steps and you’re set. In Italian homes, they show up at buffets, holiday tables, and even tucked into lunchboxes for a savory treat. Whether you call them cheese puff pastry twists, garlic parmesan breadsticks, or just your favorite party snack, these puff pastry breadsticks make any get-together feel a little more Italian, and a lot more delicious. And the best part? They're perfect for bringing a bit of Italy to your own kitchen, making every occasion a bit more festive and fun. Seriously good stuff.

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INGREDIENTS
For about 18 breadsticks
Puff pastry 1 lb (460 g) - (2 rectangular rolls)
Prosciutto cotto 3.9 oz (110 g) - sliced
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1.8 oz (50 g) - (to grate)
Sesame seeds to taste
Water to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Puff pastry breadsticks

To prepare the puff pastry breadsticks, unroll the puff pastry on the work surface with its parchment paper 1. Lay the slices of ham over the entire surface, taking care to leave 1/2 inch free along the edges 2, then sprinkle with grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese 3.

Cover with the second sheet of puff pastry 4 and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers 5. Use a pastry cutter to cut strips about 1/2 inch wide 6.

Brush the surface with water 7 and sprinkle with sesame seeds 8. At this point, take one strip at a time and twist it to form a spiral 9.

Transfer the breadsticks to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper 10 and bake in a preheated fan oven at 340°F for about 25 minutes. Once golden, remove from the oven 11 and let them cool slightly. Your puff pastry breadsticks are ready to be served, cold or warm 12!

Storage

It is recommended to consume the puff pastry breadsticks within the day, otherwise they will lose their crispness. If necessary, you can store them away from humidity for up to a couple of days, in a paper bag.

Freezing is not recommended.

Tip

You can vary the filling of the puff pastry breadsticks to your liking, replacing the cooked ham with raw ham or speck, for example, or using a Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.