Classic Cheese Straws

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 10/24/21
Classic Cheese Straws on a plate

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 60 to 72 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
67 Calories
6g Fat
1g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 60 to 72
Amount per serving
Calories 67
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 87mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 2g
Calcium 76mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Cheese straws are a very popular appetizer in the South and they are surprisingly easy to make with cheddar cheese and a little cayenne pepper. Every Southern cook has a recipe, and you will find the snack at most parties and festive gatherings. Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and don't skimp on the cayenne!

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick plus 6 tablespoons butter (14 tablespoons)
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Classic Cheese Straws ingredients in bowls

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Put the butter and cheese in a food processor. Add the flour, salt, cayenne, and Worcestershire. Cover and pulse until thoroughly blended.

    Cheese dough in a food processor

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

    Cheese dough ball wrapped in plastic wrap

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. Preheat oven to 300 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.

    Parchment paper lined baking sheet

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into strips, and gently twist. Arrange the strips on the baking sheet.

    Classic Cheese Straws dough on a lined baking sheet

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the straws are crisp and lightly browned. Remove and let cool.

    Baked Classic Cheese Straws on a baking sheet

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Variation

This recipe can be made even if you do not have a food processor. Simply put the flour, salt, and cayenne in a bowl. Add the butter, cheese, and Worcestershire, and using two knives or a pastry blender, blend thoroughly.