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Classic Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws

A pile of freshly baked, flaky, golden brown cheese straws dusted with seasoning, served on a white plate.
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Make traditional, savory, and flaky cheese straws using sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of spice. This recipe yields a classic Southern appetizer.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
  2. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together. Add this liquid mixture to the flour and cheese mixture. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  8. Cut the dough into strips about 1/2-inch wide and 6 inches long.
  9. Twist each strip two or three times to form a straw shape. Place the straws on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the cheese straws cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  • If you prefer a less spicy straw, omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
  • You can freeze the dough logs for up to three months before rolling and baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/cheese-straws-southern-style-cheddar-recipe/