Print

Southern Cheese Straws Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 1 review

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Cut in Half: Cut each strip in half to produce 3-inch long straws. This batch should yield around 48 cheese straws.
  8. 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.
  9. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even baking.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/southern-cheese-straws-recipe/