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
Scale
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
