Cheese Straws: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cheese straws are a beloved Southern treat that is simple to make and addictive to eat. They are thin strips of pastry heavily flavoured with cheese and are usually served as hors d'oeuvres. The time taken to cook cheese straws depends on the recipe followed. Some recipes suggest baking the straws for 5 minutes, while others suggest 10-15 minutes. One source recommends baking the straws for 12 minutes until they start to turn golden brown.

Oven temperature

For instance, if you are using a fan-assisted oven, you should set the temperature to 180°C, whereas a non-fan oven should be set to 200°C. This is the temperature suggested by Curly's Cooking for their cheese straw recipe.

If you are using an oven with Fahrenheit measurements, you should preheat your oven to 375°F, as suggested by The Cooking Bride. Food and Wine and Allrecipes both suggest an oven temperature of 425°F and 400°F, respectively.

It is important to note that the suggested oven temperatures vary by up to 50°C or 125°F. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recipe's instructions for the best results.

Additionally, some recipes recommend using the middle shelf of the oven, while others suggest preheating the oven before baking the cheese straws.

Baking time

The baking time for cheese straws varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of browning. Most recipes call for baking the cheese straws for around 10 to 15 minutes at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 205°C).

One recipe recommends baking the cheese straws at 350°F for 12 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Another recipe suggests baking at 400°F for 5 minutes or until browned. It's important to keep an eye on the cheese straws during the baking process to avoid overcooking or burning.

The baking time may also depend on the thickness of the cheese straws. Thicker straws may require a slightly longer baking time, while thinner straws may cook faster. Additionally, the type of oven and baking sheet used can also impact the baking time.

When baking cheese straws, it's important to space them evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Some recipes recommend greasing the baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Once the cheese straws are baked, they should be allowed to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their crisp texture.

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness and crispness of cheese straws. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for longer periods.

Ingredients

Cheese straws are thin strips of pastry heavily flavoured with cheese. They are buttery, flaky, and packed with cheese. The origin of cheese straws is unknown, but they are popular in the UK and Southern US. They are usually served as hors d'oeuvres or snacks and can be paired with cocktails.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is easier to mix into a smooth dough.
• Sharp Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is the most commonly used cheese for this recipe. It is recommended to shred your own cheese to avoid any anti-caking agents present in pre-shredded cheese. You can also use extra mature cheddar for extra saltiness.
• Salt: Salt enhances the cheesy flavour.
• Ground red pepper or cayenne pepper: Adds a little heat to the cheese straws.
• Paprika: This adds an earthy warmth to the cheese straws.
• All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough.

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your cheese straws, such as:

• Mustard powder: This adds a little extra kick to the cheese straws.
• Other types of cheese: You can use other hard cheeses such as Gouda or Gruyere, either by themselves or mixed with cheddar. You can also add Parmesan cheese for a stronger, saltier flavour.
• Herbs and spices: You can add herbs like chopped parsley or thyme, or spices like chilli powder or mustard powder.

Dough preparation

To make the dough for cheese straws, you will need a few simple ingredients: flour, butter or margarine, cheese, and seasonings. The type of flour, butter/margarine, and cheese can be varied according to preference, but the general method for preparing the dough remains the same.

First, combine the flour, butter or margarine, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl and mix until well combined. The specific seasonings can be chosen based on personal preference, but common options include salt, cayenne pepper, mustard powder, and ground red pepper. You can also add a little water to the mixture to achieve the desired consistency for the dough.

Once the dough is mixed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times. Then, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough feels slightly damp, don't worry—the flour from the work surface will help to firm it up.

At this point, you can cut the dough into strips of your desired size and shape. Some people prefer to make their cheese straws long and thin, while others opt for a more squat and chubby shape. You can also trim the edges to make the straws look neat and uniform, or leave them rustic and uneven.

After cutting the dough, transfer the strips to a prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1/2 inch apart. You can also use your fingertips to gently wiggle the dough strips to create a slightly curvy shape.

Once the dough is prepared and shaped, it is ready to be baked in the oven.

Shaping the straws

Rolling and Cutting:

This is the most common and easiest method. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, typically around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Then, use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips. You can make them thin and long, or chubby and squat, depending on your preference. Cut the strips into 4- to 6-inch lengths for individual straws. If you want uniformity, trim off the edges of the dough to create a rectangle, then divide it into equal-sized straws. The excess dough can be re-rolled and cut again.

Piping:

Piping the dough using a pastry bag with a star-shaped tip can create a decorative pattern on your cheese straws. However, this method may be challenging due to the density of the dough. Warming the dough slightly before piping can make it more pliable.

Cookie Press:

Using a cookie press is an excellent way to form consistent straws with a crunchy texture from the ridges created by the press. Choose a disk with a star or zigzag shape to get those beautiful ridges. The dough may require some muscle to press through, so warming it in your hands first can help. Each straw should be between 2 1/2 and 3 inches long, with about a 1/4-inch space between them on the baking sheet.

Logs and Slicing:

Another option is to shape the dough into logs and then slice them into crackers. This method eliminates the need for a cookie press or piping and gives you control over the thickness of your straws. Chill the logs before slicing for easier handling.

Remember, the key to successful shaping is to handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming too soft. Now that your straws are shaped, they are ready to be baked and enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions