These cheese straws are a timeless Southern snack—crispy, buttery, and packed with bold cheddar flavor. With a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a savory, crunchy treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (packed)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Cheese
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- softened butter
- finely shredded cheddar
Mix until smooth and paste-like.
👉 The finer the cheese, the better the texture.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour and cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the Straws
You have a few options:
- Pipe through a piping bag (classic thin straws)
- Roll into thin ropes by hand
- Press and cut into strips
Place on baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until:
- edges are lightly golden
- straws are crisp
6. Cool
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack.
They will crisp up more as they cool.
Why You’ll Love Them
- ✔ Crispy, buttery texture
- ✔ Bold cheesy flavor
- ✔ Simple ingredients
- ✔ Perfect party snack
- ✔ Make-ahead friendly
Tips for Best Results
- Use finely shredded cheese for smooth dough
- Don’t overbake → they can turn bitter
- Chill dough briefly if too soft
- For uniform shapes, use a piping bag
Variations
- Add paprika for smoky flavor
- Mix in black pepper or garlic powder
- Use different cheeses (like Gruyère or pepper jack)
- Make bite-sized twists instead of long straws
Storage
- Room temp: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (baked or unbaked dough)
Conclusion
These Southern cheese straws are crunchy, cheesy, and full of flavor with just the right hint of spice. Easy to make and impossible to stop eating—they’re a classic snack that never goes out of style.
