Cheddar Cheese Straws
Southern style cheddar cheese straws are buttery, crunchy, cheesy bites with a kick of cayenne, perfect for holiday gatherings, especially Christmas Eve. These nostalgic treats make for charming appetizers or homemade gifts.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Cheddar Cheese Straws Dough
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp cold water as needed to bring dough together
Instructions
- Combine shredded cheddar, flour, cayenne, and salt in a food processor. Pulse to mix.
- Add cold cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Gather the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into strips with a knife or pizza cutter. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden around the edges. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
For best results, keep the dough very cold at all times. If the dough softens while rolling, chill it again before baking. Use freshly grated sharp cheddar (not pre-shredded), and roll the dough slightly thinner for crisper cheese straws. If your kitchen runs warm, chilling the cut straws for 10 minutes before baking can help them set properly.