Classic Crispy Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws
A recipe for making sharp, buttery, and crispy cheese straws perfect for parties or snacking.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 100 min
- Yield: About 4 dozen
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 6 inches long. You can twist the strips slightly for a classic look.
- Place the strips on the prepared baking sheets. Brush lightly with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Let the straws cool completely on the baking sheet; they crisp up as they cool.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent the best melt and texture.
- Chilling the butter and the dough thoroughly is key to achieving a flaky, crispy result.
- For a savory shortbread texture, do not overwork the dough once the water is added.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 straws
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.2
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 25