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Classic Crispy Southern Cheese Straws Recipe

A close-up of a pile of crispy, golden, curly cheese straws seasoned and served on a light-colored plate.
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Make these buttery, sharp cheddar cheese straws from scratch for the best party finger foods. This recipe delivers the shatteringly crispy texture you expect from authentic Southern cheese crackers, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little spice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup ice water, or as needed

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
  2. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  3. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  4. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. You may not need all the water.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  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 out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  8. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide and 4 to 6 inches long. You can twist the strips slightly for a classic look.
  9. Place the strips on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between them.
  10. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crisp. Baking time varies based on thickness.
  11. Transfer the baked cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up more as they cool.
  12. Repeat with the remaining dough. Store cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent optimal crispness.
  • Keep the butter very cold throughout the mixing process to achieve flaky layers.
  • For make-ahead party appetizers, you can cut the dough strips and freeze them on the baking sheet before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • If you want a Parmesan herb straws variation, substitute 1/2 cup of the cheddar with grated Parmesan and add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to the dry ingredients.

Nutrition

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