Name: Cheese Straws Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons cold water

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Buttery, crisp, and brimming with bold cheddar flavor, this Cheese Straws Recipe has always been my secret weapon for gatherings and cozy nights in. If you’re looking to add a dash of southern charm and cheesy crunch to your appetizer spread, these golden twists are impossible to resist. With just a handful of pantry staples and a sprinkle of cayenne for just the right kick, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping bite that disappears almost as quickly as you put them on the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheese Straws Recipe brings its own touch of flavor and texture magic, working together to create that perfect savory bite. Don’t skip or swap unless you need to — each choice here is time-tested for taste and delightful crispness.

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the straws, giving them structure and a satisfying crunch.
Baking powder: A little lift goes a long way; helps keep the straws light instead of dense.
Salt: Enhances all the cheesy flavors, balancing richness and deepening taste.
Cayenne pepper: Brings the signature gentle heat that you’ll miss if you leave it out — try smoked paprika for a twist!
Unsalted butter: Use it chilled for the flakiest, most tender texture; cut it in cold for best results.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The real star; shredding your own gives the best flavor and melt.
Large egg: Binds the dough beautifully and helps with browning and structure.
Cold water: Just enough to bring everything together without making the dough sticky.

How to Make Cheese Straws Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — a crucial move for even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This way, you’ll be ready to transfer your dough strips straight to the pans without any last-minute scrambling.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. The even distribution here is important for consistent flavor and rise in every bite, and the cayenne gives every straw the tiniest spark of heat that keeps folks reaching for seconds.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add your chilled, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery crumbs. It’s okay if there are some larger bits — those will become delicious pockets of flavor.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Toss in the shredded sharp cheddar next. Mix everything until the cheese is evenly spread throughout, so no bite is without that bold, tangy cheddar flavor. This is where the magic of the Cheese Straws Recipe really starts to shine!

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients and Make the Dough

Lightly beat the egg and cold water in a small bowl, then pour it into the cheese-flour mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together; don’t overmix or the straws could turn out tough instead of crisp and tender.

Step 6: Knead and Roll Out

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until smooth. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick — thinner dough means crisper straws!

Step 7: Cut and Shape the Straws

With a sharp knife or pastry wheel, slice the dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long. Give each strip a gentle twist as you place it on the prepared baking sheets; these twists aren’t just for looks — they give the Cheese Straws Recipe its iconic shape and signature snap.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the straws for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden and crisp all over. The shorter time yields a slightly softer, chewier straw; longer gives you crunch all the way. Cool completely on wire racks before serving so they reach perfect snacking texture.

How to Serve Cheese Straws Recipe

Garnishes

These golden twists are fantastic as-is, but for a little extra flair, try sprinkling warm straws with a bit of grated Parmesan, chopped chives, cracked black pepper, or even a light dusting of smoked paprika right out of the oven. A touch of garnish can take your Cheese Straws Recipe from delicious to dinner party-worthy in seconds!

Side Dishes

Cheese straws pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, bowls of soup (think tomato or butternut squash), or beside a platter of fresh fruits and nuts. They’re also perfect alongside dips like artichoke dip or your favorite spicy mustard. Pop a basket of these on the table and watch them disappear fast!

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable appetizer buffet, stand the Cheese Straws Recipe upright in mason jars or short tumblers, or bundle them with parchment and twine for a rustic, cozy look. They also make charming edible gifts — just pile them in a cellophane bag with a cute tag and you’re set for hostess-duty or holiday cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your cheese straws stay fresh and crisp for up to a week — if they last that long! Just be sure they’re completely cool before sealing up, or steam will sneak in and soften them.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, this Cheese Straws Recipe freezes wonderfully. You can freeze the unbaked dough strips for up to a month (just bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time), or freeze baked straws for spur-of-the-moment snacks — just thaw at room temp and re-crisp in a low oven as needed.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked snap, spread leftover cheese straws in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them for a few minutes in a 300°F oven. This refreshes their texture and has your kitchen smelling cheese-tastic all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic and delivers that punchy flavor, but feel free to experiment with Gruyere, pepper jack, or even a blend. Just be sure to stick with hard, flavorful cheeses for the best texture.

How thin should I roll the dough?

For maximum crunch, aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If you roll them thicker, your cheese straws may bake up softer and a bit more bready, but that can also be delicious if you prefer a more tender bite.

Why do my cheese straws sometimes come out soft?

Soft cheese straws are usually the result of underbaking or warm, humid storage. Bake until golden and let them cool fully before storing in a tight container to help them keep their crispy bite.

Can kids help with the Cheese Straws Recipe?

Definitely! Kids love twisting the dough into fun shapes before baking. It’s a hands-on, mess-friendly project that makes them excited to sample the tasty results.

What’s the best way to serve these at parties?

I love piling them high in a glass or basket with parchment paper, or laying them out among other nibbles on a cheese board. They’re handy, mess-free, and welcome at everything from holiday open houses to casual game nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a savory snack with both comfort and style, you can’t go wrong with this Cheese Straws Recipe. Whether you’re planning for guests or just treating yourself, these cheesy twists are simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Give them a try — there’s a good chance they’ll become your new go-to appetizer, too!

Cheese Straws Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cheese straws 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheese Straws are a delightful appetizer or snack that combines the sharpness of cheddar with a hint of cayenne pepper, all baked to crispy perfection. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 large egg
3 tablespoons cold water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.
Add Butter and Cheese: Cut in chilled butter, then mix in cheddar.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat egg with water; add to flour mixture.
Form Dough: Turn out dough, knead, roll into a thin rectangle.
Cut and Shape: Cut into strips, twist, and place on baking sheets.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Cool and Serve: Cool on wire racks before serving.