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Southern American

Southern Cheese Straws

Buttery, peppery cheese crackers twisted into elegant straws

pastryMediumSouthern American
Prep20 minCook18 minTotal38 minServes36Temproom_temp
✓ vegetarian
⚠ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🥛 Dairy
Recipe
Ingredients
  • 8 ozsharp cheddar cheese(finely shredded)
  • 0.5 cupbutter(softened)
  • 1.5 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tspkosher salt
  • 0.5 tspcayenne pepper
  • 0.25 tsppaprika
  • 2 tbspcold water(if needed)
Make Ahead

Store in airtight container up to 1 week. Re-crisp in 300°F oven for 5 minutes if needed.

Instructions
  1. 1Beat butter and cheese until combined
  2. 2Add flour, salt, cayenne, and paprika; mix until dough forms
  3. 3Add cold water if dough is too crumbly
  4. 4Chill dough 30 minutes
  5. 5Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment
  6. 6Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness
  7. 7Cut into strips about 5 inches long and 1/2-inch wide
  8. 8Twist each strip and place on baking sheet
  9. 9Bake 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp
  10. 10Cool completely on wire rack
Notes
Pro Tips

Use the sharpest cheddar you can find - aged cheese has more flavor. Shred it yourself; pre-shredded has coatings that affect texture. The cayenne should be noticeable but not overwhelming. Don't overwork the dough or straws will be tough. Twisting creates attractive shape and extra crunch.

History & Origin

Cheese straws are a cornerstone of Southern hospitality, appearing at every gathering from Derby parties to Christmas open houses. They evolved from British cheese biscuits and became distinctly Southern with the addition of cayenne pepper for heat.

Cocktail Pairings
Pairs Well With
bourbonchampagnewhite-winemartini
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Southern American◆Medium