Cheese Straws Recipe bring me back to afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. With a simple bowl of dough and the scent of cheddar in the air, she’d shape each straw with love, not speed. Years later, I recreated them not for a crowd, but for comfort. That quiet joy inspired me to start SoupSip.com, a space where recipes like these feel like home. Cheese straws aren’t just buttery and crisp they carry memory in every bite. Whether you’re serving them warm at a gathering or sneaking a few fresh from the oven, they always bring people together.
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What Are Cheese Straws Recipe?
Cheese straws are crispy, buttery bites of cheddar filled joy. A true Southern favorite, they’re made with simple pantry staples sharp cheese, flour, butter, and a touch of cayenne for warmth. When baked, they’re golden and crisp, with a flaky texture that melts the moment you bite in. Some are cut into ribbons, others twisted into curls, but they all deliver that unmistakable savory flavor.
Whether you serve them at a holiday party, a picnic, or just as an afternoon treat, cheese straws have a charm that’s hard to resist. And the best part? They’re easy enough to make with just a few tools and a little time.
Cheese Straws Ingredients & Shaping Tips
The Best Ingredients for Classic Cheese Straws recipe
When it comes to cheese straws, simplicity is key but quality matters. The best cheese straws start with sharp cheddar. A good aged cheddar gives you bold, salty flavor and melts smoothly into the dough. You’ll also need all purpose flour, unsalted butter (cold and cubed), and a bit of salt. For Southern style heat, cayenne pepper is the classic choice. Don’t skip it it balances the richness with a tiny kick.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp cheddar cheese | Flavor, texture, and melt |
| All-purpose flour | Structure and body |
| Unsalted butter | Fat and flakiness |
| Cayenne pepper | Spice and balance |
If you’re glutenfree, try substituting with a 1:1 gluten free flour blend. Want extra kick? Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika.
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Cheese Straws Recipe – A Crispy Southern Classic You’ll Want Again and Again
- Total Time: 35min
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, cheesy, Southern-style cheese straws perfect for snacks or entertaining. Buttery and full of sharp cheddar flavor.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Cut in butter using a pastry blender or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
Add cold water gradually and mix until dough comes together.
Chill dough for 20–30 minutes.
Roll dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into thin strips or twist for a curled effect.
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
Use aged sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
Dough can be frozen and baked directly from frozen.
Store in an airtight tin for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6 servings
- Calories: 160g
- Sodium: 180g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30g
How to Shape Cheese Straws recipe the Easy Way
You’ve got two popular shaping options: cutting or twisting. For flat straws, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick and slice into strips using a knife or pastry wheel. For the twisted look, cut strips and gently twist them before laying them on the baking sheet.
Use parchment paper to keep things neat and avoid sticking. Always chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before shapingthis helps maintain their form during baking. For a golden finish, lightly brush the tops with egg wash before they go in the oven.
Cheese Straw Recipe Variations & Freezing Tips
Delicious Variations on Classic Cheese Straws Recipe
One of the best things about cheese straws is how flexible they are. Once you’ve nailed the classic version, it’s easy to switch up the flavor profile without changing the texture or structure. Want a sharper bite? Try using a mix of extra sharp cheddar and Gruyère. For an earthy twist, blend in some Parmesan or smoked Gouda.
You can also play with herbs. Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory depth that pairs beautifully with wine or soup. If you like a little tang, fold in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a hint of garlic powder. And for spice lovers, swap the cayenne with chili flakes or jalapeño powder.
For presentation, get creative with your cutter shapes ribbons, twists, or even short cheese “batons” are all welcome. Just keep the thickness even for consistent baking.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly Tips
Cheese straws are a host’s best friend because they store and reheat beautifully. If you want to prepare in advance, you’ve got two options:
- Make and bake, then store: Once cooled, store cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze before baking: Shape the dough into straws, freeze them flat on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen just add 2 extra minutes to the cook time.
Baking, Serving & Storage
How to Bake Cheese Straws Recipe Perfectly
Classic cheese straws bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on size and thickness. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly browned and the tops have a golden, crisp finish. Keep your oven preheated and bake in batches so the straws don’t touch they need room to crisp, not steam.
A tip from my grandmother: flip the baking sheet halfway through for even color. If using puff pastry, reduce the oven to 350°F and brush lightly with egg wash for that signature flaky shine. The bake time remains close, around 15 minutes.
Southern Tradition & Pro Storage Tips
Cheese straws are deeply Southern. They’ve long been a party staple from Mississippi to Virginia served at baby showers, weddings, and especially holidays. You’ll find them in tins at grandma’s house and in baskets at Southern bakeries. There’s something timeless and welcoming about their flaky crunch and savory kick.
To keep your cheese straws crispy, store them only when fully cooled in a sealed tin or glass jar. Avoid plastic containers trapped moisture can soften them. You can also re crisp them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes if needed.
As for cheese? The best cheese for cheese straws is a sharp cheddar, preferably aged for 9 months or more. It delivers bold flavor without becoming greasy when baked.
FAQ
What are cheese straws?
Cheese straws are savory, crunchy baked snacks made from cheese, flour, butter, and spices. They’re twisted or cut into thin strips and baked until golden.
What ingredients go into classic cheese straws recipe?
Sharp cheddar, flour, butter, cayenne pepper, and salt are traditional. You can add paprika or garlic powder for depth.
How do you shape cheese straws recipe?
Roll the dough and slice into thin strips using a sharp knife or pastry wheel. For twists, gently rotate the ends in opposite directions.
What variations are there on cheese straws recipe?
You can add different cheeses (like Gruyère or Parmesan), herbs (rosemary, thyme), or even use puff pastry for a flaky finish.
Can cheese straws recipe be made ahead or frozen?
Yes! Freeze shaped straws raw and bake as needed, or store baked ones in an airtight tin for up to five days.
How long and at what temperature do you bake them?
Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. For puff pastry versions, lower to 350°F and bake slightly longer.
Are cheese straws a Southern tradition?
Absolutely. Cheese straws are beloved throughout the American South, especially during holidays and celebrations.
Can you use puff pastry to make cheese straws?
Yes, puff pastry works beautifully. It creates a light, flaky version that’s fast and festive.
How do you keep cheese straws crispy?
Cool completely before storing in a sealed tin or glass jar. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.
What is the best cheese for cheese straws?
Aged sharp cheddar offers the strongest flavor and best texture. Don’t use pre shredded it often contains anti-caking agents.
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