Cheese straws are a classic Southern snack—crisp, buttery, and packed with sharp cheese flavor. They’re often served at parties, holidays, or alongside tea.
🧀 Classic Cheese Straws
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½–1 tsp paprika (for that vintage flavor)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
🍳 Instructions
1. Cream butter & cheese
Mix butter and cheddar until smooth and well combined.
2. Add dry ingredients
Stir in flour, salt, and spices until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape
- Traditional: pipe into thin strips using a piping bag
- Easy method: roll dough and cut into thin sticks
4. Bake
Place on a baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
🍽️ Tips for best results
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
- Don’t overbake—they should be crisp, not hard
- Let them cool fully to get that classic snap
🧠 Vintage touch
Cheese straws became popular in Southern U.S. homes in the early 1900s and were often served in tins as a homemade gift—simple ingredients, big flavor.
If you want, I can also give you:
- a spicy chili version
- a crispy bakery-style version
- or a quick 3-ingredient shortcut recipe
