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
Scale
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.
