If you have a soft spot for bold, buttery, and irresistibly crispy snacks, then this Southern Cheese Straws Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These golden, cheesy delights are a true Southern classic, packed with sharp cheddar and just the right hint of smokiness and spice. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cold drink on a sunny afternoon, these straws offer a perfect blend of crunchy texture and rich flavor that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this Southern Cheese Straws Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building the straws’ incredible flavor, texture, and appearance. From the sharp cheddar’s tangy richness to the smoked paprika’s subtle warmth, these ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable.
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese: Choose good quality cheddar for the best sharp, tangy flavor that defines these straws.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds depth and keeps the texture wonderfully flaky and tender.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The structural base that gives your cheese straws their crisp bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth, giving these a delightful Southern charm.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A little kick to brighten up the savory notes; adjust according to your spice preference.
- 2-3 tablespoons water: Used sparingly to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
How to Make Southern Cheese Straws Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cheese straws bake evenly and come off without sticking. This simple setup sets the stage for your golden-crisp results.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cheese
In a large bowl, beat together the sharp cheddar cheese and softened butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step infuses the butter with cheesy goodness and creates a creamy base for the dough. If you don’t have a mixer, no worries—just be prepared to put in a little elbow grease with a fork or whisk.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into the cheese-butter mixture. Mix everything until it looks crumbly, which means the dry ingredients are coating the fat evenly—this guarantees a flaky texture in the finished straws.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Add water one tablespoon at a time to bring the dough together. You want it firm but pliable, not sticky or too dry. This small step is key to ensuring the dough can be rolled and cut easily without crumbling apart.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 6×12 inch rectangle about ¼-inch thick, staying true to the traditional Southern style. Use a bench scraper, pizza cutter, or sharp knife to slice the dough into strips about ½-inch wide and 6 inches long—then cut each strip in half to create 3-inch straws. You should end up with about 48 of these cheesy strips ready for baking.
Step 6: Texture and Arrange
Drag the tines of a fork gently along each strip to imprint ridges. These classic ridges not only give the straws their authentic look but also allow them to bake up extra crispy with wonderful texture. Place the straws on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Southern Cheese Straws on the middle rack for 12 to 14 minutes, one sheet at a time, until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. This perfect baking time creates that ideal crunch that’s so addictive. Be sure to cool them completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
How to Serve Southern Cheese Straws Recipe
Garnishes
While these cheese straws shine on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of extra smoked paprika just before serving can enhance their flavor and aroma beautifully. Adding fresh herbs like finely chopped chives or thyme can also give a fresh, vibrant touch.
Side Dishes
Southern Cheese Straws make a fantastic companion to a wide range of dishes. They are fantastic alongside hearty soups, such as classic tomato bisque or creamy chowders. They also pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards, offering a savory, cheesy contrast to cured meats and fruit spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheese straws standing upright in a mason jar or rustic tin at your next party. This adds a charming Southern flair and keeps your snack table looking inviting. You can also place them around dips like pimento cheese or ranch dressing for easy dipping and added flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you want to enjoy these crispy delights beyond the initial batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed well preserves their crispiness and prevents them from becoming stale.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then roll and cut as usual before baking.
Reheating
To renew that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, reheat leftover cheese straws in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the texture, robbing these little straws of their delightful crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like aged Gouda, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular paprika still works well to add color and a mild sweetness. You can also try a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it is suitable for baking to maintain the right texture.
How long do Southern Cheese Straws stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cheese straws stay fresh and crispy for up to one week at room temperature.
Can I add herbs or spices to customize this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme, and spices like garlic powder or mustard powder to make the recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the crispy, cheesy, buttery goodness of a perfectly baked Southern Cheese Straws Recipe to brighten your snack game. It’s a recipe that carries Southern hospitality in every bite and promises smiles all around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned Southern food lover or trying it for the first time, I encourage you to dive into this recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen. Once you do, these cheese straws will be irresistible companions for years to come.
PrintSouthern Cheese Straws Recipe
Southern Cheese Straws are a classic, crispy, and flavorful snack made from sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and spices. These traditional cheese straws are perfect for parties, snacks, or pairing with cocktails, offering a delicate blend of cheesy richness and a hint of smoky paprika with a subtle kick of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Cheese and Butter
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
Additional
- 2–3 Tablespoons water (as needed to form dough)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step can be done by hand as well, but it requires more effort.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into the cheese and butter mixture. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly in texture.
- Form Dough: Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough holds together. The dough should be firm yet pliable enough to roll out.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 6 by 12 inches with a thickness of about ¼-inch, following the traditional Southern style.
- Cut Strips: Use a bench scraper, sharp knife, or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips about ½-inch wide and 6 inches long.
- Cut in Half: Cut each strip in half to produce 3-inch long straws. This batch should yield around 48 cheese straws.
- Add Decorative Ridges: Lightly drag the tines of a fork down each strip to create ridges, giving the straws a classic look and helping them bake crispier.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cheese straws on the middle rack of the oven, one sheet at a time, for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges turn golden and crispy.
- Cool and Store: Let the cheese straws cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Notes
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures uniform baking.
- Imprinting ridges with a fork helps the straws become crispier during baking.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to one week.
