If you love snacks that are cheesy, crispy, and downright addictive, then you’re going to flip for this Cheese Straws Recipe. I’m talking about that perfect balance of sharp cheddar, a hint of spice, and buttery crunch all baked into golden sticks of deliciousness. When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple, fast, and crowd-pleasing it was — and trust me, once you taste them fresh out of the oven, you’ll find they disappear faster than you can say “pass the cheese!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Flavor: Just a handful of ingredients come together to create something seriously delightful.
- Crunchy & Cheesy Perfection: You’ll be hooked on the crispy exterior that gives way to bursts of cheesy goodness.
- Versatile Snack or Party Treat: Whether for a casual nibble or serving at gatherings, these straws steal the show.
- Make Ahead & Store Easily: They keep well, and you can even revive their crispiness in a snap.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheese Straws Recipe lies in using classic pantry staples that work harmoniously — sharp cheddar provides that bold flavor, while paprika and cayenne add subtle warmth without overpowering. Using self-rising flour means you skip the extra step of mixing leavening agents, making your prep super easy.
- Self-rising flour: Its built-in leavening helps the straws get just the right lightness and slight puff.
- Smoked or sweet paprika: Adds a smoky depth or gentle sweetness, depending on your choice.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a little kick – I like to adjust this based on my guests’ spice tolerance.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the cheesy sharpness perfectly.
- Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is key here; it melts and flavors beautifully without being greasy.
- Unsalted butter: At room temperature, it blends easily and gives your straws that irresistible richness.
- Water: Use sparingly — just enough to bring the dough together without it becoming sticky.
Variations
I love making this Cheese Straws Recipe my own by playing with cheese varieties and spices depending on the season or occasion. You can make them as mild or as bold as you want, seriously — the recipe is forgiving and fun to customize.
- Cheese swap: Sometimes I use a mix of sharp cheddar and aged gouda for a deeper, nuttier flavor that blows everyone’s mind.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked chipotle powder instead of cayenne creates a smoky heat that’s just dreamy.
- Herb-infused: Fresh chopped rosemary or thyme stirred into the dough gives the straws an herby twist that’s perfect for holiday platters.
- Gluten-free version: I’ve had success substituting a gluten-free self-rising flour blend — just watch your dough’s moisture as it may need a touch more water.
How to Make Cheese Straws Recipe
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients carefully
Start by whisking together your self-rising flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. I like to give it a good stir to ensure even distribution — this way, every bite gets the right hint of spice and saltiness. You don’t want any clumps or uneven flavor pockets here.
Step 2: Beat cheese and butter until creamy
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a sturdy hand mixer), combine the freshly grated sharp cheddar and room temperature butter. Beat these together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture looks evenly combined and creamy. Don’t rush this step — it’s what gives the straws their signature cheesy richness.
Step 3: Incorporate dry ingredients and adjust dough
Add your dry ingredients into the cheese and butter mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid flour clouds everywhere. At this stage, add water, just a teaspoon at a time, until your dough pulls together and feels like soft play dough — smooth and pliable, not sticky or crumbly. I discovered this trick after my dough got too wet one time, and it truly makes all the difference in handling later.
Step 4: Shape your cheese straws
This part is fun! Once your dough rests under plastic wrap while the oven preheats, grab a cookie press fitted with a large star disk to pipe 2- or 3-inch long straws on parchment-lined sheet pans. Alternatively, roll the dough out into a thin rectangle and cut into ½-inch strips — then twist them a few times for that rustic, charming look before arranging on sheets. Both ways work beautifully, so choose whatever feels easiest for you.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your cheese straws at around 350°F (175°C) for 14 to 17 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re crisp, with the bottom nicely browned and the top a light golden-tan. Pro tip: If you bake two sheets at once, rotate them halfway through so they bake evenly. Once out of the oven, handle them gently — they’re a little fragile warm but firm up as they cool.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Straws Recipe
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting—fresh cheese gives better flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the straws tender and flaky, rather than tough.
- Chill if Too Soft: If your dough feels sticky while shaping, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up—makes handling so much easier.
- Watch Your Bake Time Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking around 13 minutes to avoid burning the bottoms.
How to Serve Cheese Straws Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or a dash more smoked paprika on top right after baking for a pop of flavor and visual appeal. For extra flair at parties, a quick brush with garlic butter before baking amps up aroma and richness, making them irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Cheese Straws Recipe pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling rosé. I’ve also served them alongside tomato soup or a sharp green salad for an easy but elegant lunch spread that my family goes crazy for.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I enjoy arranging the cheese straws standing upright in a pretty glass or mason jar lined with a festive napkin — it’s unexpected and makes grabbing them a breeze. You could also stack them artfully on a wooden cheese board next to crackers and dips, turning snack time into an event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, which is perfect when you’ve made a big batch for guests but didn’t eat them all right away.
Freezing
If I want to stock up, I freeze unbaked shaped straws on parchment-lined trays and then transfer them to freezer bags — that way I can bake fresh straws anytime I want without losing quality. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time from frozen.
Reheating
To bring back any loss of crispness, I pop the straws into a toaster oven or a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. It revives their crunch beautifully while warming up the cheese aroma again — just perfect for a quick snack.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese for this Cheese Straws Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with cheeses like aged gouda, parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will shift slightly, so choose one that melts well and complements the other ingredients.
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What’s the best way to shape cheese straws if I don’t have a cookie press?
No worries at all — rolling the dough out flat and cutting it into thin strips works beautifully. You can twist these strips a few times before baking for a fun look. It’s easier than it sounds and gives a nice rustic charm to the finished straws.
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How long can cheese straws be stored?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, cheese straws keep well for up to a week. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess, and if they soften, just warm them up briefly to bring back their crunch.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free self-rising flour blends. Just be mindful that these flours sometimes absorb more or less liquid, so adjust the water accordingly to keep the dough to that play-dough-like consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Straws Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both nostalgic and foolproof—bringing that southern charm with just a few ingredients and minimal fuss. Every time I bake these, they remind me of cozy gatherings and happy chatter over shared bites. You honestly can’t go wrong making these your go-to snack or party starter. Give them a try, have fun shaping, and watch how quickly they vanish — your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Cheese Straws Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 70 cheese straws (12 servings)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Cheese Straws are a classic Southern snack that blend the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with a hint of paprika and cayenne for a savory, crispy treat. These crunchy, cheesy sticks are perfect for serving alongside wine or as a delightful party appetizer. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, cheese straws offer a perfect balance between a cheese cracker and a savory cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (228g) self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 to 4 tablespoons water, or as needed
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, smoked or sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt until fully combined and evenly mixed.
- Mix Cheese and Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Alternatively, you can do this using a hand mixer in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the cheese and butter mixture and beat on low speed until combined. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, as needed to bring the dough together. The dough should feel like play dough—soft but not sticky or dry. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the dough and let it rest while the oven preheats.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to promote even baking.
- Shape Cheese Straws: Using a cookie press fitted with a large star disk, pipe the dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheets in 2- to 3-inch long strips, leaving about 1/2 inch between each straw. Alternatively, roll out half of the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 1/8-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 1/2-inch strips with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Twist the strips several times or leave them plain, then place them on the baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake: Bake the cheese straws in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 14 to 17 minutes or until crisp, light brown on top, and golden brown on the bottom. If baking two sheets at once, rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking sheet completely before handling. They can be brittle when warm, so be gentle to avoid breakage. Store in an airtight container for up to a week. If they lose some crispness, briefly re-crisp in a toaster oven before serving.
Notes
- Cheese straws are a classic Southern snack that combine the qualities of cheese crackers and savory cookies.
- They are delicious served with wine or as a flavorful snack at parties and gatherings.
- If the dough feels too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time until the right consistency is reached.
- Using freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor and texture.
- Store cheese straws in an airtight container to maintain crispness, and re-crisp them in a toaster oven if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 cheese straws
- Calories: 213 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 376 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 39 mg
