Classic Cheese Straws

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 08/13/19
Cheese Straws
Ian O'Leary/Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 60 to 72 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
67 Calories
6g Fat
1g Carbs
2g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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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!

Ingredients

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

Steps to Make It

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

  2. If a food processor is not used, 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.

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

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

  5. Roll small amounts of dough into a long tube about the width of a straw and cut into desired lengths. Alternatively, roll dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into strips, and gently twist. If you roll them into straw shapes, use a flat block or flat wide dish bottom to roll them uniformly. Arrange the strips on the baking sheet.

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