Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe
Crunchy and flavorful spicy cheese straws made with sharp cheese, seasoned flour, and a blend of paprika and cayenne for a perfect savory snack or appetizer.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 30 cheese straws 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cheese Straws Ingredients
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gather the mixture and knead lightly until it comes together into a firm dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll and Cut Straws: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into thin strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long.
- Bake Until Crisp: Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese straws are crisp and golden brown at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cheese straws to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them as a spicy, cheesy snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, chill the dough again after cutting before baking.
- You can swap cheddar for other hard cheeses like Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Spicy cheese straws, cheesy snack, baked cheese straws, appetizer, spicy snack