Frederic Melton
Cheese straws are a traditional Southern delicacy, often served at weddings, funerals, and other gatherings. They are made with a combination of cheese, butter, flour, and salt, with variations including the addition of spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, or mustard powder to give them a kick. The dough is formed into long strips and baked until golden brown, resulting in a crispy, savoury, and rich treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. While they can be stored at room temperature for a few days, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Savory, rich, peppery, salty, spicy, crispy, light, buttery |
| Texture | Flaky, crispy, light, delicate |
| Colour | Golden brown, orange-flecked |
| Storage | Airtight container, room temperature, freezer |
| Shelf Life | 3-4 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese straws are a Southern classic
Cheese straws are typically made with a combination of cheese, butter, flour, salt, and cayenne pepper, though some recipes may include additional spices and herbs. The dough is formed into long strips, either by hand or using a cookie press or pastry bag, and then baked until golden brown. The result is a crispy, savoury, and rich snack with a peppery kick.
While Cheddar cheese is the most traditional choice, other types of cheese such as Parmesan, Swiss, pepper jack, smoked Gouda, or blue cheese can also be used. The amount of heat in the cheese straws can be adjusted to personal preference, with some recipes calling for additional cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, or chili powder.
Cheese straws can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage. They are a versatile snack, perfect for casual midday snacking, serving with brunch dishes like quiche, or as an appetizer before a big holiday meal.
In the South, cheese straws are more than just a delicious snack, they are a tradition. They are passed down through generations, with each family having their own go-to recipe. Cheese straws are a true Southern classic, beloved for their flavour and versatility.
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They're a popular party snack
Cheese straws are a popular party snack, often served at weddings, funerals, and other gatherings in the South. They are also a favourite holiday recipe, a Christmas treat, and a great addition to a New Year's Eve spread. They are a versatile snack, perfect for a charcuterie board, a butter board, or a dessert bar. They can be served as an appetizer or alongside main dishes.
Cheese straws are a beloved family recipe, passed down through the generations, and they are often associated with fond memories of family gatherings and traditions. They are a crowd-pleaser, devoured at parties, tailgates, and showers, and they pair well with a variety of dishes, from salads to cakes.
The portability and ease of making cheese straws contribute to their popularity as a party snack. They travel well and can be made ahead of time, stored in an airtight container, and served at room temperature. They have a long shelf life, staying fresh for up to a week, and can also be frozen for longer-term storage.
The versatility of cheese straws is another reason for their party snack fame. They can be customised with different cheeses, seasonings, and spices to suit personal tastes and preferences. Whether you like them spicy, peppery, or salty, cheese straws can be tailored to your desired flavour profile.
Cheese straws are a beloved and popular party snack, steeped in tradition and memories, and their convenience, versatility, and delicious flavour make them a favourite for gatherings and celebrations.
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They can be made ahead and stored
Cheese straws can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to store them for longer, it is recommended to freeze them. They can be frozen for up to three months, although some sources suggest one month.
To freeze cheese straws, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, you can either thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake them, or bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the total bake time.
If your cheese straws have softened after being stored in an airtight container, you can crisp them up by arranging them on a baking sheet and placing them in a 350°F oven for about five minutes. Be careful not to leave them unattended, as they can burn if baked for too long.
Additionally, you can make the dough for cheese straws in advance and freeze it. To do this, pipe the dough into the desired shape, then freeze it on a baking sheet until it is firm. Once firm, transfer the dough to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to one month. When you're ready to bake, transfer the frozen dough to a baking sheet and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before baking as directed, possibly adding some extra time to the bake.
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You can use a variety of cheeses
Cheese straws are a Southern classic and a popular snack or appetizer. They are often described as rich and savoury, with a peppery kick. The base ingredients are usually flour, butter, cheese, and salt. However, you can use a variety of cheeses and seasonings to create different flavour profiles.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese straws, and it gives them a savoury flavour. You can also use Parmesan, Swiss, pepper jack, smoked Gouda, or blue cheese. These cheeses will each bring their unique flavour to the straws, making them more complex and interesting. For example, smoked Gouda will add a smoky flavour, while blue cheese will make the straws sharper and more pungent.
In addition to varying the type of cheese, you can also experiment with different seasonings. Fresh herbs such as dill, rosemary, chives, or thyme can be added to the dough to give the straws a more subtle, earthy flavour. If you prefer a more intense flavour, you can use dried herbs or spice blends. Chili powder, mustard powder, or cayenne pepper will add heat, while smoked paprika will give a subtle smokiness. You can also add garlic powder for a savoury kick.
The versatility of cheese straws is part of their appeal. By changing the type of cheese and the seasonings used, you can create a wide range of flavours to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer them mild and subtle or spicy and bold, there are endless combinations to explore. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to find your perfect cheese straw recipe.
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They're easy to make
Cheese straws are easy to make and can be prepared in advance. They are a great snack for parties, showers, and holiday gatherings. The dough can be made and stored in a freezer for up to one month. The baked cheese straws can also be frozen and stored in an airtight container for up to three months.
To make the dough, you will need to cream butter and cheese in a large bowl. Then, stir in flour and salt and mix well. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, or mustard powder to add some heat to your cheese straws. Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Next, cut the dough into strips. You can use a knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch or 6-inch strips, depending on your preferred size. If you want uniform strips, you can use a cookie press or a large piping bag fitted with a large star piping tip to pipe the dough onto baking sheets and then cut it into the desired length. Place the strips on a baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking.
Finally, bake the cheese straws in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Allow the cheese straws to cool completely before serving or storing. If you want to store the cheese straws, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to four days but may lose some of their crispiness over time. To crisp them up again, simply pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese straws are savoury and rich with a peppery kick. The cayenne pepper, paprika, or chilli powder in the recipe gives them a spicy flavour.
You will need flour, salt, butter, cheese, and spices. You can use pre-shredded cheese or shred your own. Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Parmesan, Swiss, pepper jack, smoked Gouda, or blue cheese.
Cheese straws can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer.
You can add more cayenne pepper, black pepper, or garlic powder. You can also use chilli powder or smoked ancho chilli powder.
Cheese straws are a great snack and can be served at parties, showers, and holiday gatherings. They go well with devilled eggs, chicken salad, and desserts like cakes and cookies.
