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Crispy Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws Recipe

Close-up of several golden brown, flaky, twisted cheese straws recipe items on a white plate.
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Make these classic Southern cheese straws for a savory, crispy snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings. This easy recipe delivers buttery, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This is the dry base for your savory bake.
  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with the cold water. Add this liquid mixture to the flour and cheese mixture. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  7. Cut the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long. You can twist each strip once or twice for a classic look.
  8. Place the strips onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
  9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crisp.
  10. Transfer the crispy cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up more as they cool.
  11. Repeat with the remaining dough. Serve these homemade cheese straws as party appetizers.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder to the flour mixture.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, use all sharp cheddar. For a variation, try substituting half the cheddar with Parmesan cheese.
  • You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and chill it for up to two days before rolling and baking.

Nutrition

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