Up your appetizer or snack game with this quick and easy recipe for Party-Perfect Cheese Straws studded with poppy seeds.

Happy all things holiday! It is my absolute favorite time of year as we inch toward Thanksgiving (T-minus 72 hours!) and then barrel full-speed into Christmas. And while I’ll be spending Turkey Day in New York City and skipping the annual cooking duties, I’m already lining up my appetizer spread for December 1 and beyond.

My family is all about the dinner pre-game. And I’m not just talking about cocktails and wine! We love a good appetizer spread, and high atop our list has always been Ina Garten’s cheese straws. I’ve taken my culinary guru’s recipe and added a few twists (pun intended) to create Party-Perfect Cheese Straws.

With just six simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll be challenging yourself to stick to just one straw. They’re hot, buttery, cheesy and perfectly puffed. What more could you need to kick off any party?

Best of all, this recipe yields two dozen cheese straws that can be served warm (my personal preference) or at room temp, making them the ultimate-make ahead appetizer or snack. I love the addition of the poppy seeds for a pop (pun count: 2) of color and textural contrast to the ooey-gooey cheeses.

So grab the puff pastry, get your grate on and kick off your next bash with a tall glass of Party-Perfect Cheese Straws!

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