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Classic Crispy Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws

A close-up of a stack of golden, flaky, and crispy cheese straws piled high on a white plate.
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Make these classic, savory cheese straws from scratch for a perfect party appetizer or game day snack. This recipe focuses on achieving a shatteringly crispy texture using sharp cheddar.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  4. Add the cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for crispiness.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  8. Cut the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long. You can twist the strips slightly for a traditional look.
  9. Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between them.
  10. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg wash.
  11. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the straws are golden brown and crisp.
  12. Let the cheese straws cool completely on the baking sheets before serving. They crisp up more as they cool.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent the best texture.
  • Keep the butter very cold throughout the mixing process to promote flakiness and crispness.
  • For an herbed variation, add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives to the dry ingredients.
  • These savory cheese bites store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/crispy-southern-cheese-straws-recipe/