Buttery, flaky, and puffed with sharp cheddar, this Cheese Straws Recipe is the ultimate snack that disappears faster than you can say “just one more.” With every bite, you’ll savor a hint of spice, a golden crispness, and a nostalgia only homemade cheese straws can stir. Whether you’re planning a party platter, jazzing up a soup supper, or simply want an irresistible savory treat with hardly any fuss, this recipe brings all the Southern charm and comfort food magic straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Cheese Straws Recipe is simple, familiar, and totally essential. The beauty comes from using a handful of bold, quality ingredients that each play their part—whether providing sharpness, flakiness, subtle heat, or that gorgeous golden color we all love.
- All-purpose flour: The structure and base for your crispy cheese straws, giving them that classic tender crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch highlights all the savory flavors in the dough.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a lively kick and a beautiful warm hue.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with cheddar.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes): Ensures your cheese straws bake up flaky and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Go for the sharpest cheddar you can find for the best flavor punch.
- Cold water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter, keeping everything beautifully crisp.
How to Make Cheese Straws Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven
Before you dig in, set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll be happy you did later!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, optional cayenne, and garlic powder. This quick step makes sure that all your seasonings are evenly distributed, so every cheese straw has that perfect balance of flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry mixture until you have a crumbly, sandy texture—think little, buttery pebbles nestled in the flour. Work quickly to keep that butter nice and cold for flaky results.
Step 4: Mix in the Cheddar
Now for the best part—shredded sharp cheddar cheese! Stir it into your bowl so each bit of cheese gets coated with flour. This ensures cheesy flavor is woven through every bite of your Cheese Straws Recipe.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Drizzle in cold water one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing with a fork or your hands until a soft dough starts to form. You want just enough water for the dough to come together without being sticky. Gather it into a ball and gently flatten into a disc for easy rolling.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips—aim for about 1/2 inch wide and 4–5 inches long. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity; the rustic look is part of the charm.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Transfer each strip onto your prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space. For extra flair, twist a few strips into spirals. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until your cheese straws are crisp and beautifully golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
The hardest part: let your cheese straws cool just a bit before serving. They crisp up as they cool, becoming irresistible little bites that are perfect warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Cheese Straws Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley adds color and a fresh lift, while a touch of flaky sea salt scattered over hot cheese straws makes every bite sing. For an extra pop, dust with a pinch of paprika or even a little more cayenne right out of the oven.
Side Dishes
This Cheese Straws Recipe is a knockout alongside tomato soup, creamy dips like ranch or pimento cheese, or even on a vibrant green salad. They make a fabulous companion to a charcuterie board or a cozy bowl of soup during chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack cheese straws like a log cabin on a large platter, tuck them into mason jars for a casual snack setup, or tie them into little bundles with raffia for charming edible gifts. They’re also perfect as crunchy crouton alternatives for salads and soups—unexpected and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to five days. Just make sure the container is truly airtight to keep moisture out!
Freezing
Want to enjoy your Cheese Straws Recipe later? Pop baked, cooled cheese straws into a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and crisp them in a low oven if needed.
Reheating
To refresh day-old or defrosted cheese straws, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 4–6 minutes. This brings back their irresistible crunch and blooming flavors.
FAQs
Can I make cheese straws without a pastry cutter?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a pastry cutter, use two table knives to cut the butter in, or simply rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips. Just work quickly to keep the dough cold and achieve those sought-after flaky layers.
Why does the butter need to be cold?
Cold butter is the key to creating light and flaky cheese straws. As the butter melts in the oven, it releases steam, creating airy pockets and that classic tender bite that makes the Cheese Straws Recipe so memorable.
What else can I add to the dough for flavor?
Feel free to get creative! Try adding fresh rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, or even a little grated Parmesan to the dough for a unique twist on this classic southern appetizer. Spice lovers can add extra cayenne or even a pinch of black pepper.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the dough, form it into a disc, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply roll out and continue with the recipe.
Are cheese straws gluten-free friendly?
You can adapt this Cheese Straws Recipe for gluten-free diets by using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but that addictive cheesy flavor will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably wonderful about a fresh batch of homemade cheese straws—bold, cheesy, and utterly shareable. Try this Cheese Straws Recipe the next time you want a comforting snack or an impressive appetizer. Once you bake a batch, you’ll see why they’re such a beloved tradition!
Print
Cheese Straws Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 25–30 cheese straws 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These cheese straws are a delightful combination of sharp cheddar cheese and savory spices, baked to crispy perfection. They make for a fantastic appetizer or snack that will please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Dry Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Form Dough: Add cold water gradually, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a ball, flatten into a disc, and roll out on a floured surface.
- Cut Strips: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into thin strips.
- Bake: Transfer strips to the baking sheet, twist for decoration if desired, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Cheese straws can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, try using smoked cheddar, adding a pinch of paprika, or sprinkling Parmesan on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese straws
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
