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Classic Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws

A pile of freshly baked, golden brown cheese straws recipe twists sitting on a white plate near a window.
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Make crispy, savory cheese straws using sharp cheddar cheese. This recipe yields a classic, flaky snack perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk and cold water together. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  8. Cut the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide and 5 to 6 inches long. You can twist the strips gently for a spiral look if desired.
  9. Place the strips on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the straws are crisp.
  11. Transfer the cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
  • You can make the dough up to two days ahead and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator.
  • For a spicy version, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of black pepper.

Nutrition

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