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pastryMediumSouthern American

Southern Cheese Straws

Buttery, peppery cheese crackers twisted into elegant straws

⏱️ Prep: 20min🍳 Cook: 18min⏰ Total: 38min👥 Serves: 36🌡️ room_temp
✓ vegetarian
⚠️ Contains: 🌾 Gluten, 🥛 Dairy

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

💡 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

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.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

bourbonchampagnewhite-winemartini