Every Southern food enthusiast has a go-to Cheddar cheese straw recipe up his or her sleeve, and we're making the case for this one. It's savory and rich with the perfect amount of peppery kick. Ideal for a party snack, this recipe travels well, and it's so easy to make. In fact, you'll only need six ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Seriously!
You can get the family involved with the recipe, too. It's a big hit with the kids and a welcome substitution for goldfish crackers or Cheez-Its. Packed with bursting Cheddar flavor, you won't be able to resist a second helping.
![Southern Living Cheese Straws on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Xm13_Md-jehk3a-DvPQ1_PyTqCU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheese_Straws_006-9da716a64a274eb8927c98edcf8bd6cc.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The History of Cheese Straws
Where this celebrated Southern dish originated is up for debate. While the recipe for cheese straws may have its roots in British biscuit territory, biscotti and crisp snacks of Italy and Spain may also have been an inspiration.
The Southern version of these straws was developed not just as a crisp, tasty snack, but also as way to preserve cheese during hot, humid months. Mixed up into a dough with a few pantry staples, grated cheese became the star of an irresistible snack that could be enjoyed for days.
Often paired with cocktails, cheese straws have became a staple item for Southern celebrations, family gatherings, and holiday gift-giving.
Ingredients for Cheese Straws
To make these classic cheese straws, you'll need just three core ingredients, and a few seasonings to add extra flavor:
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easily mixing into a smooth dough.
- Sharp orange Cheddar cheese: Shred your own cheese to avoid any anti-caking agents that are present in the pre-shredded version.
- Salt: To enhance the cheesy flavor.
- Ground red pepper: Adds a little heat.
- Paprika: Adds an earthy warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
![Southern Living Cheese Straws ingredients](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tHomGDNOl7CypOiFJ_DAySYrv8I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Cheese_Straws_001-9604b80a51c2425f9fd4d10db434bf0c.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
How To Make Cheese Straws
Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:
- Step 1. Beat first 5 ingredients until blended. Gradually add flour, beating just until combined.
- Step 2. Use a cookie press with a star-shaped disk to shape mixture into long ribbons on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Step 3. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
Test Kitchen Tip
If you don't have a heavy-duty stand mixer, you can use a handheld mixer. Just divide the ingredients in half, and work with two batches.
Can I Make Cheese Straws Without a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press is an easy way to create long strips of consistent straws that are simple to portion into smaller pieces. The heavy dough can be difficult to pipe by hand, but you can also use a (canvas) pastry bag with a star tip as an alternative.
These straws can also be formed into logs and sliced for crackers, or rolled out and cut into strips with a knife or pizza cutter.
Can I Make Cheese Straws Ahead?
Cheese straws can be baked ahead and frozen in an airtight container for up to three months, or refrigerated for up to one week. Serve at room temperature, or toast lightly in the oven to crisp up before serving.
The dough can also be made in advance. Pipe cookies and freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and freeze for up to one month. Transfer to a baking sheet and let sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before baking as directed (they may need additional baking time).
How To Store Leftover Cheese Straws
Store leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months. Serve at room temperature or toast lightly in the oven for crisp, warm straws.
What To Serve With Cheddar Cheese Straws
Tender, crisp, buttery, and cheesy, cheese straws are a delightful snack. They're certainly delicious all on their own (or paired with a cocktail), whether at the start of a party or as a late-night snack. They can be set out when guests arrive for a light bite alongside a charcuterie board, or served later in the meal with soup or salad. They also make a lovely holiday gift, especially for those who prefer savory over sweet.
Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
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1 lb. block sharp orange Cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 1/2 tsp. salt
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1 to 2 tsp. ground red pepper
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1/2 tsp. paprika
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4 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
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Make dough:
Beat first 5 ingredients at medium speed with a heavy-duty stand mixer until blended.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Gradually add flour, beating just until combined.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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Press out straws:
Use a cookie press with a star-shaped disk to shape mixture into long ribbons, following manufacturer's instructions, on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Cut ribbons into 2-inch pieces.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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Bake cheese straws:
Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Remove to wire racks to cool.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
For Cheese Wafers:
Combine ingredients as directed; chill dough 2 hours. Shape dough into 4 (8-inch-long) logs; wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill 8 hours. Cut each log into 1/4-inch-thick slices; place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It can be hard to tell when cheese straws are perfectly baked, but underbaking can lead to soft straws instead of crisp ones. Bake until firm to the touch and lightly browned, then cool on a rack for good air flow to eliminate excess moisture.
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Cheese straws do not need to be refrigerated. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week, or frozen for longer storage.
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Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that keep it from incorporating fully into the dough. We recommend shredding your own for this recipe.
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From adding herbs like chopped parsley or thyme, to spices like mustard powder, chili powder, and more, there's no limit to how you can season these straws. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or gruyere for a different flavor profile.