Description
These crispy and savory Cheese Straws are a delightful snack perfect for parties or a tasty treat any time. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of cayenne for subtle heat, and baked to golden perfection, these straws offer a satisfying crunch and rich cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. This combines all the dry flavors evenly for the dough.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the flaky texture in the straws.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, ensuring a flavorful cheesy bite in every straw.
- Form the Dough: Drizzle in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing to keep the straws tender.
- Roll and Cut Strips: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide and 4–6 inches long. Optionally, twist each strip slightly for an attractive look.
- Bake: Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cheese straws are golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cheese straws cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy as a snack or party appetizer.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dough.
- Store the cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crispness.
- These straws make perfect snacks for parties or are delicious served alongside soups.
