How to Make Southern Cheese Straws

Try replacing the cayenne with paprika, ground red pepper or other spices.

In the South, you'll likely see cheese straws at just about any event where snacks or appetizers are being served — from picnics to baby showers. Luckily, they are easy to make in bulk so you'll have plenty of cheese sticks to go around at your party. This recipe calls for shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but instead of using prepackaged shredded cheese, shred a block of cheese yourself with a grater. It will provide a better consistency for the cheese straws.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
• Stand mixer
• Cookie press with star-shaped disk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cheese, butter, salt and cayenne in the stand mixer's bowl. Blend until well combined.

2. Gradually beat the flour into the butter mixture until just blended. Do not overbeat the dough.

3. Fill the cookie press canister about 3/4 full. Attach the star-shaped disc to press the dough through. Refrigerate the remaining dough until you are ready to use it.

4. Following the cookie press's instructions, press long strips of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Cut the strips into 2-inch-long pieces.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 to 12 minutes. Allow the straws to cool on wire racks.

Tips & Warnings

• Store in an airtight plastic container for up to one week.

• To "re-crisp" stored straws, bake at 350 degrees for about three minutes.

• If you do not have a stand mixer, use a handheld mixer but divide the ingredients in half and make two smaller batches of dough.

References

• MyRecipes.com: Cheddar Cheese Straws Recipe
• Southern Living: All-Time Favorite: Classic Cheese Straws