These light and crispy Southern CHEESE STRAWS bring finger food to the next level! Cheesy, buttery, crunchy snacks that are simply irresistible! They’re quick and easy to make so you can prepare dozens at a time. They also travel well so you can send it in a care package for family and friends to enjoy!
I know we all wish we could throw parties and invite our friends over. One way to show them how much we miss them is by sending them a thoughtful gift. Nothing spells love more than good ol’ fashioned comfort food. This yummy baked treat is sure to bring a smile on anyone’s face, even in isolation.
These Southern Cheese Straws make chit-chat mess-free because they’re easy to hold and even easier to snack on! I’m sure your friends will already be nibbling on this while they call to say thank you!
Small in size but big on FLAVOR. A humble snack/appetizer that will come in hand for all the parties and celebrations we’re already planning!
What are Cheese Straws?
These yummy Cheese Straws are favored all over the world. They can be served as appetizers or snacks. They are made of buttery dough that is baked into thin strips. It resembles traditional biscuits in England or biscotti from Italy or Spain but ultimately made its way to our hearts when it was reinvented in the South.
Southern Cheese Straw Ingredients
Flour – Plain or All-purpose flour is fine for this recipe.
Baking powder – Gives our Cheese Straws that light and airy texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese – They aren’t called Cheese Straws for anything!
Butter – Any type of unsalted butter is ideal. If you want to use salted butter, remember to omit the salt in our recipe.
Garlic powder – Cheese and garlic is by far the best combination on ANY baked treat.
Paprika and Cayenne – Adding a touch of Southern flavors.
Thyme – For a fresh and earthy flavor.
Recipe Variations
You can substitute the sharp cheddar with any kind of cheese you have at home but I recommend using hard cheeses instead of soft ones because this will help your Cheese Straws hold their shape while baking.
Some variations include nuts and other spices. You can use rosemary or parsley instead of thyme. You can even add cinnamon to give it a sweet and salty taste. Experimenting with flavors in the kitchen is always exciting, don’t you think?
Can You Freeze Them?
You can store the UNBAKED dough in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 1 month. Baked Cheese Straws can be kept in an airtight container for 1 week (if they even last that long in your house, because they never do at ours!).
Frozen BAKED cheese straws will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply warm the stored cheese straws in the oven at 350° F for 3 to 4 minutes to make them crispy again.
What to Serve with Southern Cheese Straws?
Cheese straws are already great on their own. Or you can serve them with a glass of wine, cocktail, or beer. But if you want a full spread of snackable, you can also prepare the following to go with it.
More Easy Cheesy Recipes
Here are some other cheesy and comforting dishes that are easy on the eyes and even easier to gobble up!
How To Make Cheese Straws
Making the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350° F (176 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. In a food processor, add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until all are combined. Next, add the shredded cheese and cubed butter into the food processor. Pulse for about 15-20 seconds until it resembles coarse sand. Pour in the water one tablespoon at a time. Then keep pulsing until it forms a soft dough.
Forming our Cheese Straws
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Then use a fork to run through some lines on the dough. Cut the dough into strips and transfer them in a parchment-lined baking sheet on a single layer. Alternatively, you can also use a piping bag and pipe it directly onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Take them out and let it cool first. Enjoy!
Southern Cheese Straws
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme , minced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch black pepper
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
- 8 ounces butter chilled, cubed
- 3 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
Making the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 350° F (176 °C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a food processor, add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until all are combined.
- Next, add the shredded cheese and cubed butter into the food processor. Pulse for about 15-20 seconds until it resembles a coarse sand.
- Pour in the water one tablespoon at a time. Then keep pulsing until it forms a soft dough.
Forming our Cheese Straws
- Transfer the dough onto floured surface.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Then use a fork to run through some lines on the dough.
- Cut the dough into strips and transfer them in a parchment-lined baking sheet on a single layer. Alternatively, you can also use a piping bag and pipe it directly onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Take them out and let it cool first. Enjoy!
Tips & Notes:
- These cheese straws could last up to a week.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutrition Information:
Margie D Lawrence says
I have used this recipe for several years and I think it’s the best! I usually get my recipe for sausage balls out and make both for snacks or appetizers for Super Bowl celebration!
ImmaculateBites says
Great! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Don Edgerton says
Can you use Self-rising flour?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you can. Omit the baking powder.
Danielle says
Should the cheese be kept cold? Or should I bring it to room temp before mixing?
ImmaculateBites says
Bring it to room temperature before mixing . Helps make it easier to mix.
Teresa says
How do I do them without a food processor?
ImmaculateBites says
You can try mixing them by hand or using a pastry cutter.
Billie says
These sound so good! I have never made these, but it so simple!!! Will be making soon!
Thanks!!