Frederic Melton
Guyanese cheese straws are a popular snack in Guyana with a cult following. They are crispy, cheesy, savoury sticks with a hint of spice, made with a combination of flour, butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and wiri wiri pepper. They are often served at parties and gatherings and are a beloved snack by many. This simple, versatile, and addictive snack is perfect for any occasion, whether shared with others or enjoyed as a solo treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guyana |
| Texture | Crispy, Crunchy, Flaky |
| Taste | Savory, Spicy, Cheesy |
| Shape | Churro-shaped, Strips, Rosettes, Flowers, Stars |
| Ingredients | Cheddar Cheese, Butter, Flour, Mustard, Cayenne Pepper, Wiri Wiri Pepper, Salt, Garlic, Fresh Herbs |
| Storage | Stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week |
| Time | 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients: sharp cheddar, butter, flour, mustard, wiri wiri pepper
Guyanese cheese straws are a tasty treat made with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, flour, mustard, and wiri wiri pepper. This simple, quick, and easy dish is a Guyanese staple, especially at parties. The result is a crispy, finger-shaped, cheese-flavoured snack that is popular in Guyana.
Cheese
The cheese used is typically a sharp cheddar, with a strong flavour. Aged white cheddar is said to make the best cheese straws, but extra sharp white cheddar or regular extra sharp cheddar can also be used. It is recommended to grate the cheese yourself for the best results, although you can save time by buying pre-shredded cheese.
Butter
Real butter is recommended for the best flavour. Softened, room-temperature butter is ideal for easier mixing. If you are using unsalted butter, you may want to increase the amount of salt in the recipe. You can also use margarine or other dairy-free butter alternatives, although this may affect the taste.
Flour
All-purpose flour is used in the recipe. It is combined with the cheese mixture to form a spreadable dough that can be piped into thin strips.
Mustard
Spicy brown mustard is commonly used in Guyanese cheese straws, but you can also use yellow mustard or ground mustard powder.
Wiri Wiri Pepper
Wiri wiri pepper adds a hint of heat to the cheese straws. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can reduce the amount of pepper or omit it entirely. For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of wiri wiri pepper or substitute it with other peppers like scotch bonnet, habanero, or cayenne.
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Preparation: shred cheese, combine ingredients, pipe dough, bake
Preparation
Shred the cheese:
You can save time by buying pre-shredded cheese, or you can shred a block of cheese yourself using a grater or a stand mixer with a shredding attachment.
Combine the ingredients:
In a bowl, mix shredded cheese, butter, garlic, and red pepper (such as wiri wiri or cayenne) with a hand mixer until it turns white and creamy. Gradually add flour and mix well to form a dough. You can also use a food processor to combine the ingredients.
Pipe the dough:
Fill the cheese straw dough into a piping bag (such as a pastry bag or a zip lock bag) with a piping nozzle of your choice. Pipe the dough into neat little straws or any shape you like, such as stars, rosettes, or flowers. The dough should be soft enough to push through the piping bag, but not too thin and oily, as this will affect the baking.
Bake:
Place the piped dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cheese straws.
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Texture: thin, crispy, flaky, crunchy
Guyanese cheese straws are thin, crispy, and crunchy sticks with a flaky texture. They are a popular snack in Guyana, especially at parties. The key to achieving this texture lies in the preparation and baking process.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the dough is smooth and spreadable. This is achieved by gradually adding flour to the cheese paste mixture until a lump-free, spreadable dough is formed. Using a food processor or a hand mixer can aid in this process.
Next, the dough needs to be prepared for piping. A pastry bag with a star tip is commonly used to give the cheese straws their signature texture. The dough is carefully piped onto a greased baking sheet, forming thin strips between 3 and 6 inches long.
To achieve the desired thin, crispy, and crunchy texture, it is crucial to avoid underbaking the cheese straws. They should be baked until they are golden brown and slightly puffed. Additionally, ensure that the straws are not piped too thick, as this can affect their texture.
Finally, for maximum crispness, it is recommended to eat the cheese straws fresh out of the oven. If you don't plan on serving them immediately, allowing them to cool down in the oven will help maintain their crispy texture for longer.
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Taste: savoury, spicy, buttery, cheesy
If you're looking for a savoury, spicy, buttery, and cheesy snack, look no further than Guyanese cheese straws. These crispy, crunchy, and cheesy snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether you're enjoying them as a quick bite or bringing them to a party.
Guyanese cheese straws are a popular snack in Guyana, although they originated in England. They are made by combining a cheese mixture with flour, shaping the dough into thin strips, and then baking it. The result is a crispy, finger-shaped snack that's packed with flavour.
The key to achieving the perfect taste and texture in Guyanese cheese straws is to use sharp cheddar cheese, which has a stronger flavour. New Zealand Sharp Cheddar is a popular type of cheddar in Guyana and is commonly used in this snack. In addition to the cheese, butter is a crucial ingredient, as it gives the straws their buttery flavour and crisp texture. Real butter, specifically salted butter, is recommended for the best taste.
To add a savoury and spicy kick to the cheese straws, ingredients such as wiri wiri pepper, mustard, cayenne pepper, or black pepper are often included. The amount of spice can be adjusted to suit your preference, whether you like a milder flavour or an extra spicy kick.
Guyanese cheese straws are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or paired with other foods. They are a popular addition to charcuterie boards and are perfect for gift-giving, bringing a taste of Guyana to any occasion.
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Serving suggestions: party snack, charcuterie board, gift
Guyanese cheese straws are a tasty treat that can be served in a variety of ways. They are perfect as a party snack, on a charcuterie board, or even as a gift.
As a party snack, Guyanese cheese straws are a delicious and fun hors d'oeuvre. They can be cut into strips or shaped into stars, rosettes, or flowers using a cookie press or a pastry bag with a star tip. These crispy, finger-shaped, cheese-flavoured snacks are perfect for all ages and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They pair well with wine and cocktails and can also be served with a bowl of tomato or vegetable soup.
For a charcuterie board, Guyanese cheese straws can be the perfect addition. Their savoury, spicy, and buttery flavour profile will complement the other items on the board, such as meats, cheeses, and crackers. The straws can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a convenient option for charcuterie boards.
Guyanese cheese straws also make a wonderful homemade gift for someone special. They are a unique and delicious treat that brings back childhood memories for many Guyanese people. These spicy cheese straws are a great option for those who may not have time to cook or bake, as they do not require any special storage and can be enjoyed at any time.
When preparing Guyanese cheese straws, it is important to note that they are typically made with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, flour, mustard, and wiri wiri pepper for heat. However, the type of cheddar and the amount of pepper can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. Additionally, fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme can be added to the dough for an herbed variation.
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Frequently asked questions
Guyanese cheese straws are a traditional food of England and the Southern United States. They are made from dough with ingredients like butter, flour, salt, cheddar cheese, and cayenne pepper. They are shaped like churros, packed with cheese flavor, and are a popular snack in Guyana.
To make Guyanese cheese straws, you need to mix cheese, butter, garlic, and red pepper in a bowl until it turns white and creamy. Gradually add flour and mix well. Then, fill the mixture into a zip lock or piping bag and use a piping nozzle to pipe out the neat little straws. You can pipe them into any shape you like, such as stars, rosettes, or flowers. Finally, bake them in the oven until they are golden brown.
Guyanese cheese straws are quick and easy to prepare. They typically require 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, so you can have a delicious snack ready in less than an hour.
