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Classic Crispy Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws

A pile of golden brown, crispy cheese straws stacked high on a speckled white plate.
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Make shatteringly crispy, savory cheese straws using sharp cheddar and cold butter. This easy recipe delivers the classic Southern texture perfect for any party or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or paprika for less heat)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup ice water, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is key for flakiness.
  3. Stir in the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese until it is evenly distributed.
  4. Gradually 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. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it 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 the chilled dough out 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 cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent the best texture.
  • Keep your butter as cold as possible throughout the mixing process to achieve that desired flaky, shattering texture.
  • For a different flavor, substitute half the cheddar with Pepper Jack or add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary with the flour.
  • These savory cheese appetizers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/crispy-southern-cheddar-cheese-straws/

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