Description
Delightfully crispy and cheesy, these classic Cheese Straws make a perfect savory snack or party appetizer. Made with sharp cheddar, a hint of cayenne for spice, and baked to golden perfection, they are irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Straws:
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Ice-cold water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if you want a little heat. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly with the cheese.
- Cut in the Butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work the butter until the mixture reaches a coarse crumb texture, ensuring small butter pieces remain visible.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice-cold water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together without being sticky.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long for perfect bite-sized straws.
- Shape and Bake: Twist each strip into a spiral shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese straws turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Transfer the baked cheese straws onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving, so they set to a crunchy texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it to suit your spice preference.
- For sharper flavor, use extra-sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Parmesan and cheddar.
- Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve flaky and crisp texture.
- These cheese straws can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Try adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
