Crispy Golden Cheese Straws Recipe: A Fun Twist on Snacking

Crispy, golden cheese straws spark joy in every kitchen gathering.

Southern cooks have perfected this delectable snack for generations.

Buttery pastry with sharp cheddar creates an irresistible crunch that keeps people coming back for more.

Flaky and light, these savory treats complement afternoon tea or game day appetizers.

Simple ingredients blend together to create magic on your plate.

Quick preparation means you can whip up a batch faster than ordering takeout.

Let’s make something delicious that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Cheese Straw Questions Answered

• What type of cheese works best for cheese straws?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor and creates a crispy, tangy texture that makes these cheese straws irresistible.

• Can I make cheese straws ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze unbaked cheese straws for up to a month.

• How do I get perfectly shaped cheese straws?

Use a piping bag with a star tip for professional-looking ridged straws, or roll the dough and cut into uniform strips with a pizza cutter or knife for more rustic shapes.

Why Mary Berry Cheese Straws Are Always a Hit

• Craft Quickly: Super simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a fast snack solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Delivers a delightful cheesy crunch that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal party starter or game day treat that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touch by adjusting spices like paprika and pepper, creating unique flavor variations to match individual taste preferences or dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Straightforward method involves basic mixing and piping techniques, enabling even novice bakers to produce professional-looking cheese straws without advanced culinary training.

What’s Inside Mary Berry Cheese Straws

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy taste and contributes to the straws' crisp texture.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cheese straws their classic shape and crunch.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: A trio of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth, depth, and a subtle kick.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.

Instructions for Mary Berry Cheese Straws

Step 1: Whip Up a Creamy Cheese Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sharp cheddar cheese, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Use an electric mixer or stand mixer to blend these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety mixture that looks light and airy.

Step 2: Fold in the Flour

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the cheese mixture. Mix gently and carefully, stirring just until the ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dough tough and dense.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Straws

Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into thin, elegant ribbons on a lightly floured surface. Carefully pipe or roll the dough into delicate, long straws on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the cheese straws with a bit of space between each one to ensure even baking and crispy edges.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a beautiful light golden color and the straws look crisp and delicate.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cheese straws cool completely on wire cooling racks. This allows them to crisp up and develop their full flavor. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Cheese Straw Tips and Hints

• Choose Quality Cheese: Select a sharp cheddar with robust flavor to enhance the overall taste of your cheese straws.
• Perfect Piping Technique: Use a star-tipped pastry bag for creating professional-looking ridged straws that crisp up beautifully.
• Control Flour Mixing: Blend flour gently to prevent tough texture, stopping just when ingredients combine smoothly.
• Temperature Matters: Let butter soften at room temperature for easier mixing and more consistent dough texture.
• Storage Secret: Store completely cooled cheese straws in an airtight container to maintain crispness for several days.

Cheesy Variations for Cheese Straws

• Gluten-Free Cheese Straws: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Straws: Add finely chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a fiery kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Straws: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create a fragrant and flavorful savory snack with added depth.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative Straws: Use nutritional yeast and plant-based butter with gluten-free flour to craft a dairy-free, plant-based version that still delivers rich flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Cheese Straws

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's zesty acidity cuts through the rich, cheesy straws perfectly, creating a balanced and refreshing combination that enhances the buttery texture.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Serve cheese straws alongside cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and aged chorizo to create a delightful appetizer spread that highlights the savory cheese flavors.
• Complement with Light Salad: Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery contrast to the rich and crispy cheese straws, balancing the overall taste experience.

Storage and Crisping for Cheese Straws

• Seal cheese straws in a container with a tight lid, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap cheese straws individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining crispy texture and flavor.
• Store in a sealed container at cool room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Use dry, clean container to prevent moisture.
• Warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave, which can make them soggy and lose their delicate texture.

Cheese Straws Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Parmesan cheese straws elevate snack time with their irresistible crunch and bold flavor profile. Southern hospitality meets gourmet elegance in these slender, golden pastry treats that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound sharp orange Cheddar, shredded
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and cheese together with salt, pepper, and paprika until achieving a uniform, silky texture with no visible lumps.
2. Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, stirring gently until ingredients are just combined and a soft dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or roll out on a lightly floured surface to create elegant, thin ribbons or classic straws.
4. Arrange the shaped cheese straws onto parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring slight spacing between each piece to allow even heat circulation.
5. Position the trays in a preheated oven at 350°F, baking for approximately 10-12 minutes until edges turn delicately golden and crisp.
6. Remove from oven and let cheese straws cool completely on wire racks, allowing them to firm up and develop a satisfying crunch before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor that elevates the entire snack.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Experiment with different spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to customize heat and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 446
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 299 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg