Description
These Cheese Straws are a delightful savory pastry perfect for snacking or serving as a party appetizer. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne, these baked cheese sticks are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the cold butter and blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the shredded cheddar. Drizzle in cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Shape and bake: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, roll it into a thin rectangle, and cut into strips. Transfer the strips to the baking sheet, twisting if desired. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Cool the cheese straws on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try smoked cheddar or a pinch of garlic powder.
- Cheese straws stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese straw
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
