Description
Crispy, savory Cheese Straws made with sharp cheddar and a delicate buttery dough, baked to golden perfection. These delightful snacks are perfect for parties or an elegant appetizer, featuring a subtle spicy kick if cayenne pepper is added.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup cold water (or as needed)
Finishing
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cayenne pepper if you want a spicy touch.
- Cut butter into flour: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add cheese: Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Add water carefully: Gradually add cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking to keep the pastry tender.
- Roll out dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut into strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 3-4 inches long to form the cheese straws.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange the dough strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch to ensure even baking.
- Apply egg wash (optional): For a golden finish, lightly brush the tops of the cheese straws with a beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese straws are a beautiful golden color and crisp to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely before serving and enjoying their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Notes
- Use cold butter and cold water to ensure flaky, crisp cheese straws.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or omit it if you prefer a mild flavor.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, golden brown finish.
- Store cooled cheese straws in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to 3 days.
- Try different sharp cheeses like Parmesan or a mix for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
