Description
Delightfully crispy and cheesy Cheese Straws made with sharp cheddar, buttery flaky dough, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these golden, twisted cheese sticks are easy to prepare and bake to perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Straws:
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Ice-cold water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl, and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with visible pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together into a cohesive ball without being sticky or overworked.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.
- Shape and Bake: Twist each strip gently into a spiral shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese straws turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Remove the cheese straws from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to ensure they crisp up further and hold their texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little additional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika on top before baking.
- Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best bold flavor; mild cheddar will result in a less pronounced taste.
- These cheese straws are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If the dough is too dry, add water sparingly to avoid sticky dough.
