Kamil Perry
Cheese straws are a classic Southern snack, often served at celebrations and get-togethers. They are a cross between a cheese cracker and a savoury cookie, and are made using a combination of flour, butter, cheese, and seasonings. The dough is formed into strips or straw shapes and baked until crispy. While the exact measurements and techniques may vary, the core ingredients and process remain the same. This versatile snack can be served in a variety of ways and is a favourite among both children and adults.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Unsalted butter, sharp orange cheddar cheese, salt, ground red pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, all-purpose flour |
| Preparation | Mix ingredients, form into dough, roll out and cut into strips, twist, bake |
| Baking temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Baking time | 10-17 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Serving suggestions | Serve as a snack or appetizer, with wine, cocktails, or salads |
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What You'll Learn
- Ingredients: butter, cheese, flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and seasonings
- Mixing the dough: blend butter and cheese, then stir in dry ingredients
- Shaping the dough: roll into a rectangle, cut into strips, and twist
- Baking: preheat oven to 350-400°F and bake for 10-15 minutes
- Storage: store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days
Ingredients: butter, cheese, flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and seasonings
Cheese straws are a classic Southern snack, often served at celebrations and get-togethers. They are a cross between a cheese cracker and a savoury cookie and can be made with just a few simple ingredients.
The three core ingredients you will need are butter, cheese, and flour. For the butter, you should use unsalted butter and ensure it is softened to enable easy mixing into a smooth dough. Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice, and it is recommended to shred your own to avoid any anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. For the flour, you can use all-purpose flour, or self-rising flour if you have it. If you opt for all-purpose, you can add baking powder and extra salt to enhance the flavour and texture.
You will also need salt to enhance the cheesy flavour, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat and a pop of colour. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste.
Finally, you can add extra seasonings to your cheese straws to make them your own. Fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, chives, or thyme work well, or you could try adding some heat with chilli powder, ancho chilli powder, or more cayenne. Bacon and cheese is a classic combination, so you could try adding some cooked, diced bacon to the dough.
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Mixing the dough: blend butter and cheese, then stir in dry ingredients
To make cheese straws, you'll need to mix the dough by blending butter and cheese, then stirring in dry ingredients. This process is detailed below.
First, ensure that your butter is softened for easy mixing. You can use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter until it's light and fluffy. Next, add the cheese to the butter and beat until the two are well combined. You can use shredded or grated cheese, and it's best to avoid pre-grated cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.
Now it's time to add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and any desired seasonings. You can use all-purpose flour, or for a heartier texture and flavour, substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat or white whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour can be drier, so you may need to adjust by adding more water to your dough. For added flavour and texture, consider including seasonings like cayenne pepper, paprika, ground red pepper, or fresh or dried herbs. You can also try adding a packet of dry onion soup mix or diced cooked bacon to the cheese dough.
Once your dry ingredients are combined, gradually stir them into the cheese and butter mixture until a thick dough forms. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Your dough is now ready to be shaped and baked into delicious cheese straws!
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Shaping the dough: roll into a rectangle, cut into strips, and twist
Shaping the dough is a fun part of the cheese straw-making process, as it is when you get to be creative and give your straws a playful shape. First, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. You can use a rolling pin, or simply roll it out by hand. Aim for a rectangle shape, around 15x6 inches.
Next, cut the dough into strips. You can use a knife, a pastry cutter, or a pizza cutter to do this. The strips should be thin, around 1/4 inch thick. If you want to be precise, you can cut the dough into six equal portions first, to help keep each of the cheese straws the same size.
Now you can twist the strips to add a little flair. You can also try decorative shapes, such as piping the dough out into star shapes using a piping bag. Or, you can cut the dough into squares to make them look more like homemade Cheez-Its.
Finally, place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each straw. You can bake them right away, or chill the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes first, to help the cheese straws keep their shape.
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Baking: preheat oven to 350-400°F and bake for 10-15 minutes
To make cheese straws, you'll need butter, cheese, flour, and salt. Some recipes also call for cayenne pepper, ground red pepper, or other seasonings. You'll also need a large bowl, a small bowl, a hand or stand mixer, and a rolling pin. Some recipes suggest using a cookie press, piping bag, or cookie cutters to shape the dough.
Once you've made your dough, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F. While the oven is preheating, roll out your dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Cut the dough into strips, typically about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long, or whatever length you prefer. You can also cut the dough into decorative shapes or pipe it into strips using a piping bag. Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with cookie sheets, leaving about 1 to 1.5 inches between each straw.
Bake the cheese straws in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly browned. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your straws, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. If you prefer your cheese straws with a bit of a twist, you can also twist the strips of dough before placing them in the oven.
Once the cheese straws are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving or storing. Cheese straws are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will stay fresh for up to three days. If they start to lose their crispness, you can pop them back into a 350°F oven for about five minutes to restore their crunch.
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Storage: store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days
Cheese straws are a delicious snack, but they are best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
It is important to note that cheese straws are quite delicate, so choose a container that allows you to gently layer them inside. This will help to prevent them from breaking. Additionally, make sure the container is airtight to maintain freshness and keep the cheese straws from going stale.
If you want to keep your cheese straws for longer, you can freeze them. This is a great way to always have some on hand for surprise guests or to include in a cookie box as a savoury treat. To freeze, place the cheese straws in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for around 15 to 20 minutes. You can also reheat them lightly in the oven to crisp them up before serving.
For the best flavour and texture, it is recommended to consume cheese straws within a week of baking them. This ensures they are enjoyed at their crispy, savoury best.
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Frequently asked questions
You'll need flour, butter, cheese, and salt. You can use pre-grated cheese, but for the best results, it's recommended that you grate the cheese yourself. You can also add seasonings such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or chopped fresh herbs.
You'll need a large bowl, a small bowl, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet. You can use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and cheese, and a food processor to combine the dry ingredients and cheese. To cut the dough into strips, you can use a knife, pizza cutter, or pastry cutter.
First, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 400°F (depending on the recipe). Then, cream the butter and cheese in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and any seasonings. Gradually add the flour mixture to the cheese mixture until a dough forms. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and cut it into strips. Place the strips on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp.
