Description
Cheese Straws are crispy, cheesy snack strips made with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Perfectly baked until golden and crisp, these savory treats are ideal for parties, snack time, or pairing with dips.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Straws:
- 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, about 2-3 tablespoons)
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 bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This creates a flaky, tender texture.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid adding too much water to keep the dough firm and workable.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.
- Shape and Bake: Twist each strip gently into a spiral shape and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese straws turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Remove the cheese straws from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps them firm up and become crispier before serving.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor; you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyere for different tastes.
- The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat; adjust to your preference or omit if serving to children.
- Keep the butter cold to ensure flakiness in the dough.
- Store cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
