Flaky Homemade Cheese Straws Recipe: A Golden Savory Treat

Southern cheese straws dance with buttery, crisp perfection that crumbles delightfully in every bite.

Sharp cheddar weaves magic through this classic Southern appetizer.

Flaky and golden, these savory treats bring comfort to any gathering.

cheese lovers recognize these delicate pastries as pure indulgence.

The delicate crunch beckons from across the room, tempting everyone nearby.

Elegant yet simple, these cheese straws promise to become your new favorite snack.

You’ll savor every delicate, cheesy moment of this irresistible recipe.

Cheese Straws Classic Snack Appeal

• Whip up these cheese straws using simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master confidently.
• Packed with zesty paprika and cayenne, these straws deliver a delightful kick that transforms ordinary appetizers into exciting flavor experiences.
• Serve alongside soups, salads, or enjoy as a standalone snack that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible cheesy charm.

Cheese Straws Ingredient Checklist

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cheese straws.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and warm color to the snack.
• Cayenne: Brings a gentle heat and spicy kick to the cheese straws.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the other ingredients.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender base that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Fresh Grated Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor and contributes to the straws' signature cheesy taste.
• Water: Helps achieve the right dough consistency and softness.

• Plastic Wrap: Used to cover and rest the dough, preventing it from drying out.
• Baking Sheets: Provides a surface for shaping and baking the cheese straws.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures the straws do not stick and makes cleanup easier.

Cheese Straw Baking Tools You Need

• Mixer: Essential for beating butter and cheese to smooth consistency.
• Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper for even baking and easy removal.
• Cookie Press or Rolling Pin: Used to shape cheese straws into uniform strips.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for dry and wet ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
• Plastic Wrap: Covers dough during resting period to prevent drying.
• Grater: Fresh grating of cheese for best flavor and texture.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down sides of mixer and transfer dough.

Cheese Straws Easy Instructions

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until they’re perfectly combined and evenly distributed.

This creates the flavor base for your delicious cheese straws.

Step 2: Whip Cheese Mixture

Use a mixer to blend softened butter and freshly grated cheese.

Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating a rich and luxurious base for your straws.

Step 3: Create Dough Consistency

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the cheese mixture using low mixer speed.

Gradually add water until the dough reaches a play dough-like texture – soft and pliable but not sticky.

The key is finding the perfect balance that will make your straws crisp and delightful.

Step 4: Let Dough Rest

Cover the dough completely with plastic wrap and allow it to sit while you preheat the oven to 350°F.

This resting period helps the ingredients meld together and improves the overall texture.

Step 5: Shape Cheese Straws

• Use a cookie press to create uniform 2-3 inch straws
• Roll the dough and carefully cut into precise strips

Arrange the shaped straws on lined baking sheets, leaving space between each one to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 14-17 minutes.

Watch for a light golden brown color and crisp texture.

Once done, remove and let the cheese straws cool completely before handling or serving.

Tips to Master Cheese Straws Like a Baker

• Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for bold, rich flavor that ensures maximum taste and texture in your cheese straws.
• Add water gradually to achieve perfect play dough-like consistency, preventing dough from becoming too wet or crumbly.
• Adjust cayenne and paprika levels to match personal heat preference without overwhelming the cheese's natural taste.
• Space cheese straws evenly on baking sheet to ensure uniform crispness and consistent golden-brown color during baking.
• Keep cooled cheese straws in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their crispy texture and zesty flavor.

New Twists for Cheese Straw Recipes

• Gluten-Free Cheese Straws: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain same spice ratios and cheese quantity.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap butter and cheese with nutritional yeast, vegan butter, and cashew cheese. Use plant-based ingredients to create similar texture and flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Straws: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives into dough for enhanced aromatic experience. Reduce cayenne slightly to balance herb intensity.
• Low-Carb Cheese Sticks: Use coconut flour or ground flaxseed instead of traditional flour. Add extra cheese to maintain structural integrity and rich flavor.

How to Plate Cheese Straws Beautifully

• Cocktail Party Munchies: Serve these crispy cheese straws as a sophisticated appetizer during wine or cocktail gatherings, perfectly complementing white or sparkling wines.
• Charcuterie Board Accent: Arrange cheese straws alongside cured meats, olives, and soft cheeses to add a crunchy texture and spicy kick to your gourmet board.
• Soup and Salad Companion: Break cheese straws into smaller pieces and sprinkle on top of creamy tomato soup or caesar salad for an unexpected and delightful crunch.
• Game Day Snack Upgrade: Replace traditional chips with these homemade cheese straws during sports watching parties, offering a gourmet twist to classic finger foods.

Storing Cheese Straws for Crunch

• Store cooled cheese straws in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain crispness and prevent staleness.
• Carefully pack cheese straws in freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm cheese straws at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Spread on baking sheet in single layer to restore original crunchiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cheese straws sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore texture and brings out subtle cheese flavors.

FAQs

• Can I make cheese straws without a cookie press?

Yes, you can roll the dough and cut it into strips using a knife or pizza cutter. Alternatively, use a piping bag with a large star tip to create similar shapes.

• How spicy are these cheese straws?

The recipe uses cayenne pepper, which adds a mild kick. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to make them more or less spicy according to your preference.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor, but you can also use parmesan or a blend of cheeses for different taste profiles.

• Are cheese straws good for parties?

Absolutely! They’re a perfect finger food that can be made ahead of time and are great for appetizers, snacks, or cocktail parties.

Cheese Straws Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Savory Southern cheese straws highlight delicious cheddar and spice combinations from scratch. Crisp, flaky pastry strips deliver tangy flavor with elegant simplicity you can enjoy alongside cocktails or as a quick snack.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226.8 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1.75 cups (228 grams) self-rising flour
• 0.5 cup (113.5 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt

Liquid:

• 1–4 tablespoons water, as needed

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients thoroughly in a mixing bowl, combining flour, paprika, cayenne, and salt with precision to ensure even distribution of spices.
2. Cream butter and freshly grated cheese in an electric mixer for 2 minutes, creating a smooth, uniform texture that will provide rich flavor and delicate consistency.
3. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients at low speed, adding water incrementally until dough reaches an ideal malleable texture – reminiscent of play dough, soft yet structured.
4. Wrap dough in plastic film and allow to rest while preheating oven to 350°F, enabling ingredients to meld and develop deeper flavor profiles.
5. Utilize a cookie press to extrude uniform 2-3 inch straws, alternatively rolling and slicing dough into precise strips that maintain consistent width.
6. Arrange cheese straws on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring adequate spacing to promote even heat circulation and crisp edges.
7. Bake for 14-17 minutes, monitoring color transformation until straws achieve a delicate golden-brown hue and crisp texture throughout.
8. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling on wire rack before handling, which helps straws set and develop optimal crunchiness.

Notes

• Customize Spice Levels Adjust cayenne and paprika quantities to match your heat tolerance, creating a milder or spicier version that suits personal preferences.
• Perfect Texture Technique Ensure butter is exactly room temperature for smoother mixing and optimal dough consistency, preventing tough or crumbly cheese straws.
• Rolling Alternative If lacking a cookie press, use a piping bag with a star tip or carefully roll dough into thin uniform strips for consistent shape and even baking.
• Storage Hack Store completely cooled cheese straws in airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining crispness and preserving delicate flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg