Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Cheese Straws are a delightful snack that perfectly combines cheesy richness with a hint of cayenne heat. Crispy, golden, and incredibly easy to make, they’re perfect for parties or a simple treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, grated cheese, and cayenne pepper. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough gently until it comes together, then transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
4. Step 4: Pipe the dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet in long, thin strips or any desired shape.
5. Step 5: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese straws are crisp and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the dough.
• Use sharp or smoked cheddar cheese for a more intense taste.
• If you don’t have a piping bag, you can roll the dough into thin logs and slice them before baking.

Storage

Store these cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them crispy, avoid refrigeration. If they lose crispness, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before piping and baking. Let it come to room temperature slightly before piping to make it easier to work with.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While cheddar works best for flavor and texture, you can substitute with gouda, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

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4.4 from 136 reviews

Spicy Cheese Straws are a delightful, crunchy snack made from a buttery dough mixed with sharp cheese and a kick of cayenne pepper, baked until golden and crisp. Perfect for parties or a savory treat with drinks.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cheese straws 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cheese Straw Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse or cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together into a ball.
2. Shape the Straws: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a log about 1-inch in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Pipe the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit a piping bag with a large star or plain tip and fill it with the chilled dough. Pipe long, thin strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake: Bake the cheese straws in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are crisp and a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as the cheese may brown quickly.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as a savory snack or appetizer.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your spice preference.
• Keep the butter and water cold to ensure a flaky texture.
• Store cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika on top before baking.

Keywords: cheese straws, spicy snacks, cheese appetizers, baked cheese sticks, holiday appetizers