Name: Cheese Straws Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 2–3 tablespoons ice water

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Cheese Straws Recipe is the ultimate Southern snack that always gets people talking! With crisp, golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth cheesy middle, these irresistible little sticks feature bold cheddar flavor and the perfect hint of spice. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a family get-together, or just sneaking a few for yourself with an afternoon coffee, Cheese Straws Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Once you try them, they just might become your new favorite nibble for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheese Straws Recipe is that it relies on a handful of staple ingredients, each adding its own charm. From the flaky richness of butter to sharp cheddar and just a dash of cayenne, these elements come together for a snack with real personality.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure and that delightfully crisp texture to the straws.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing the cheesy flavor.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Lends just a tiny kick of heat—feel free to add more for spice lovers or skip for a milder batch.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The soul of the recipe; opt for high-quality cheese for maximum flavor.
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Helps create flakiness, and cold butter is key here so don’t let it soften.
Ice water: Brings the dough together without making it sticky; start with 2 tablespoons and add more only as needed.

How to Make Cheese Straws Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes for easy cleanup. This quick step sets you up for stress-free baking and guarantees that your Cheese Straws Recipe comes out beautifully crisp, not burnt or soggy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor, add the flour, salt, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the cayenne pepper. The food processor truly makes this a breeze, creating an even blend in just a few quick pulses. If you don’t have a processor, a large bowl and whisk will get the job done with a bit of extra elbow grease.

Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Toss in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and pulse a few times to evenly distribute it throughout the flour mixture. Freshly grated cheese is highly recommended for its superior melt and richer taste, ensuring each bite of your Cheese Straws Recipe is loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Cut in the Butter

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to your mixture. Pulse until everything looks like coarse, sandy crumbs—you’re aiming for pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This step is what makes the straws wonderfully flaky, so try not to over-mix.

Step 5: Add Ice Water and Form Dough

Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing gently just until the dough starts coming together. It should hold when pinched but shouldn’t feel wet or sticky. Don’t overdo the water—less is more here for the perfect Cheese Straws Recipe texture.

Step 6: Shape and Roll the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it into a rough rectangle. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out to about ¼-inch thickness, keeping the edges as even as possible for uniform straws. If you love rustic edges, don’t worry if things aren’t perfect.

Step 7: Cut and Arrange

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into thin strips, about ½ inch wide and 4 to 6 inches long. Transfer the strips to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they don’t stick together while baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the Cheese Straws Recipe is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them near the end—every oven is a little different, and you want that perfect balance of golden exterior and tender, cheesy bite.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cheese straws cool for a few minutes on the pan before gently transferring to a wire rack. This extra TLC keeps them crispy. Enjoy one (or several) immediately—trust me, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool!

How to Serve Cheese Straws Recipe

Garnishes

Cheese straws practically beg for a little extra flair. You can scatter a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of smoked paprika over the straws as soon as they come out of the oven for a flavor boost and lovely color. Freshly chopped chives or finely minced parsley also add an elegant touch, especially for parties and special occasions.

Side Dishes

These straws shine brightest as a snack, but don’t overlook their role alongside main courses. Pair Cheese Straws Recipe with a warm bowl of tomato soup, your favorite salad, or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board for a Southern-inspired twist. They’re also fabulous with a bowl of chili or as a crunchy contrast to creamy dips.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve cheese straws in tall glasses or vintage mason jars for a whimsical touch at gatherings. For a party, arrange them on a wooden board alongside sliced cheeses, olives, and nuts so guests can graze freely. You can also tie small bundles with ribbon as elegant edible gifts or party favors—the possibilities are endless and always irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have any cheese straws left, keep them crispy by storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and snappy for up to five days—though you’ll likely find they disappear much sooner!

Freezing

Cheese Straws Recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly. After cooling completely, arrange in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they’re as good as fresh.

Reheating

To crisp up any straws that have softened, pop them onto a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 3-5 minutes. This quick trick revives that fresh-baked taste, making leftovers just as tempting as when they first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Cheese Straws Recipe without a food processor?

Absolutely! Use a large bowl and a pastry cutter or fork to blend the butter into the flour mixture. It might take a bit longer, but you’ll get the same flaky results.

How do I achieve extra crispy cheese straws?

Be sure not to overwork the dough and roll the straws thin, around ¼ inch. Baking until they’re deeply golden is key to that irresistible crunch.

What other cheeses can I use in Cheese Straws Recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Gouda, pepper Jack, or even a blend of parmesan and cheddar for different flavors and textures.

Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?

Definitely! Try mixing in dried thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to amp up the flavor. Adjust to your own preferences—it’s hard to go wrong.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the recipe as written. The straws will be a little more delicate, but every bit as tasty.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Straws Recipe is a true classic for a reason—it’s quick, adaptable, and has that magic combo of salty, cheesy, and crispy that everyone loves. Trust me, once you share these at any gathering, you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again. Give it a try and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!

Cheese Straws Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 30 straws 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade Cheese Straws are a delightful savory snack perfect for any occasion. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick, these crispy cheese sticks are a Southern American favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2–3 tablespoons ice water

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the shredded cheddar and pulse to mix. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Add ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together.
Shape and bake: Turn out the dough, roll into a rectangle, and cut into strips. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool on a wire rack.