If you are craving a crunchy, cheesy snack that feels both classic and a little bit fancy, this Cheese Straws Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These golden, buttery twists deliver an irresistible combination of sharp cheddar flavor and a delicate crispness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for munching during a cozy night in or serving at your next gathering, cheese straws are surprisingly simple to make, yet they impress everyone who tries them. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that always earns rave reviews and leaves you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building those perfect cheese straws with great flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden hue.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups grated: The star of the show with its bold, tangy flavor that gives the cheese straws their signature taste.
- All-purpose flour, 1 cup: Provides structure that holds everything together and creates that delightful crunch.
- Cold butter, 1/2 cup cubed: Adds richness and creates those flaky, crispy layers when baked.
- Baking powder, 1 tsp: Helps the dough rise just enough to become light without losing its crispness.
- Salt, 1/2 tsp: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural cheesiness.
- Cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy a little heat with their cheese straws.
- Ice-cold water, as needed: Binds everything together without warming up the butter, preserving that perfect texture.
How to Make Cheese Straws Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked, mess-free cheese straws.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your grated sharp cheddar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly ensures every bite has consistent flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Next, use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the cold butter cubes into your cheese and flour mixture. Keep going until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because those small butter pockets create the flaky crispness you’ll adore.
Step 4: Add Ice-Cold Water
Add ice-cold water slowly, a tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough just starts to come together. Keep the dough chill to prevent the butter from melting, which keeps the texture spot-on.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long. The uniform size helps them bake evenly, so take your time with this step.
Step 6: Twist and Bake
Gently twist each strip into a spiral shape and lay them carefully on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden color and crisp up perfectly. The twisting creates those delightful little swirls that make cheese straws visually fun.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, transfer the cheese straws to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This cooling step is essential as it helps them finish crisping up, making each bite wonderfully crunchy.
How to Serve Cheese Straws Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can elevate your cheese straws to another level. For a pop of color and aroma, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme finely chopped can be lightly dusted on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Cheese straws make a fantastic companion to soups and salads. Think comforting tomato soup or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette – their crunch offers a lovely contrast to soft textures and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving cheese straws in a rustic mason jar or a tall glass adds charm to any gathering. You can also bundle them with ribbon for a stylish party favor or place them alongside a cheese platter to impress your guests with a homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cheese straws, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them crisp and ready for snacking without losing their crunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze uncooked twisted dough strips on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To refresh stored cheese straws, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crispness in a way microwave reheating just can’t match.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheese Straws Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic flavor, experimenting with cheeses like smoked gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack can bring exciting new tastes to your cheese straws.
Is it necessary to use cold butter?
Yes, cold butter is key to achieving that flaky texture. Warm butter blends completely into the dough, resulting in a denser, less crisp straw.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. This can even help the flavors meld for a tastier treat.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?
No worries! Your fingers work just as well. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour and cheese, stopping once the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
How spicy do the cheese straws get with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat, balancing beautifully with the rich cheese. You can easily leave it out or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Straws Recipe has a way of becoming a beloved classic in anyone’s kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a snack that feels special yet comforting. I encourage you to try making cheese straws at home—they are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of your favorite tea or wine. Once you do, they’ll quickly become your go-to savory treat for any occasion!
Print
Cheese Straws Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheese Straws are crispy, savory snacks made from sharp cheddar cheese and buttery flaky dough. These twisted, golden-baked treats are perfect for serving at parties, as appetizers, or a delightful snack to satisfy a cheesy craving. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, they are crunchy on the outside and full of rich cheese flavor.
Ingredients
Cheese Straws Ingredients
- 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 using. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently just until the dough comes together and can hold its shape without being sticky.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.
- Shape and Bake: Twist each strip into a spiral shape and place them on your prepared baking sheet with some space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Remove the cheese straws from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they remain crisp and easy to handle.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor impact. Mild cheddar will result in a less intense cheese taste.
- Keep the butter cold before mixing to achieve the flakiest texture.
- If the dough feels too dry, add more ice-cold water, one teaspoon at a time.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight spicy kick or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Store cheese straws in an airtight container once cooled to keep them crisp for several days.
