Description
Crispy cheese straws dance with sharp cheddar and buttery pastry, promising a Southern classic that delights guests at any gathering. Perfect for parties or afternoon snacking, you’ll savor these golden, flaky bites of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Straws
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp cheddar, grated
Flour and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups (167 grams) plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Fat and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare workspace by warming oven to 220°C and arranging parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Combine dry seasonings including flour, ground mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until achieving a uniform, silky texture.
- Gradually incorporate the seasoned flour mixture into the cheese blend, slowly adding water to form a cohesive dough.
- Gently knead the dough, then roll into a thin, elongated sheet approximately 14 inches long.
- Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to enhance its firmness and texture.
- Remove chilled dough and slice into precise, narrow strips matching the original 14-inch length.
- Transfer strips onto prepared baking sheets, ensuring slight separation between pieces.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, watching for golden edges and crisp texture.
- Allow cheese straws to cool directly on baking tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling and optimal crispness.
Notes
- Swap butter for margarine to create a dairy-free version that still delivers incredible crunch and flavor.
- Add extra cayenne or smoked paprika for those wanting a spicier cheese straw experience that tingles the taste buds.
- Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or aged parmesan to customize the straws’ depth and richness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 483 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 526 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg