Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws: A Southern Classic Recipe
Cheese straws, those crisp, savory, and utterly addictive little sticks of cheesy goodness, are a staple in Southern cuisine. They’re perfect for snacking, appetizers, or as a crunchy accompaniment to soups and salads. This recipe focuses on creating sharp cheddar cheese straws that are packed with flavor and have a satisfyingly crisp texture. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you achieve cheese straw perfection every time.
What are Cheese Straws?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what makes a cheese straw a cheese straw. Traditionally, they are made from a simple mixture of flour, butter, cheese (usually cheddar), and spices. The dough is then rolled out, cut into thin strips, and baked until golden brown and crispy. The key is to use a good quality sharp cheddar cheese, as it provides the characteristic tangy and savory flavor that defines cheese straws.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure the best possible results:
* **Sharp Cheddar Focus:** We emphasize using a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
* **Cold Ingredients:** Keeping the ingredients cold is crucial for a flaky and tender texture.
* **Proper Mixing:** The mixing method is designed to develop the dough just enough to bind it together without overworking it, which can lead to tough cheese straws.
* **Precise Baking:** Baking at the right temperature and for the right amount of time is essential for achieving a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
* 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated and very cold
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
* 2-4 tablespoons ice water, as needed
Equipment You’ll Need
* Food processor or pastry blender
* Large mixing bowl (if not using a food processor)
* Plastic wrap
* Rolling pin
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started! Follow these detailed instructions to make your own delicious sharp cheddar cheese straws.
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Butter
* **Grate the Cheese:** If you’re using pre-shredded cheese, it’s still a good idea to give it a quick chop to ensure it’s finely grated. This will help it incorporate evenly into the dough. Make sure the cheese is very cold. You can even place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before grating.
* **Cube the Butter:** Cut the cold butter into small cubes. The smaller the cubes, the easier it will be to incorporate into the flour.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
* **Food Processor Method:** In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Pulse a few times to blend the ingredients.
* **Mixing Bowl Method:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and garlic powder (if using).
Step 3: Cut in the Butter and Cheese
* **Food Processor Method:** Add the cubed butter and grated cheese to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cheese straws.
* **Mixing Bowl Method:** Add the cubed butter and grated cheese to the mixing bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter and cheese into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter and cheese cold.
Step 4: Add Ice Water
* **Food Processor Method:** With the food processor running, gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will make the dough sticky.
* **Mixing Bowl Method:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, to the flour, butter, and cheese mixture. Use a fork to stir the mixture until the dough just comes together. Again, be careful not to add too much water.
Step 5: Form the Dough and Chill
* **Form a Disc:** Gather the dough into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
* **Chill:** Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which will result in a more tender and flaky cheese straw.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cheese straws from sticking.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
* **Divide the Dough:** Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too firm to roll out easily, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
* **Roll Out:** Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Try to roll it out evenly so that the cheese straws will bake at the same rate.
Step 8: Cut the Cheese Straws
* **Cut into Strips:** Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into thin strips, about ¼ to ½ inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long. You can make them shorter or longer depending on your preference.
* **Optional: Twist:** For a more traditional look, gently twist each cheese straw before placing it on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake the Cheese Straws
* **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can prevent the cheese straws from crisping up properly.
* **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
* **Cool:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese straws cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* **Serve:** Serve the cheese straws warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a few days, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Straws
* **Use Cold Ingredients:** This is the most important tip for making tender and flaky cheese straws. Make sure the butter and cheese are very cold before you start. You can even chill the flour for 15-20 minutes before using it.
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cheese straws. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Roll Out Evenly:** Rolling out the dough evenly will ensure that the cheese straws bake at the same rate.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the cheese straws will make them dry and brittle. Bake them until they are golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and spices. You can use different types of cheddar cheese, such as mild or medium, or you can add other spices, such as paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness:** For a sweet and savory twist, try adding a teaspoon of sugar to the dough.
* **Make Ahead:** The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked cheese straws can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Additions
The beauty of cheese straws lies in their versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize your cheese straws:
* **Spicy Cheese Straws:** Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
* **Herb Cheese Straws:** Add a tablespoon of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the dough for a more herbaceous flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika Cheese Straws:** Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese Straws:** Replace some of the cheddar cheese with grated Parmesan cheese for a more complex flavor.
* **Jalapeño Cheese Straws:** Add finely diced jalapeños to the dough for a spicy and cheesy treat.
* **Black Pepper Cheese Straws:** Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the dough for a peppery bite.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Straws:** Sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning on the cheese straws before baking for a savory and flavorful twist.
* **Pimento Cheese Straws:** For a true Southern twist, add a few tablespoons of pimento cheese to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese straws are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a simple snack on their own.
* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer with dips, cheeses, and charcuterie.
* **Soup or Salad Garnish:** Crumble them over soups or salads for added flavor and texture.
* **Cocktail Party:** Include them on a cheese board or appetizer platter at your next cocktail party.
* **Gift:** Package them in a pretty container and give them as a homemade gift.
* **Holiday Gathering:** Cheese straws are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or potluck.
Troubleshooting
* **Cheese Straws are Too Tough:** This is usually caused by overworking the dough. Be careful not to over-process the dough in the food processor or over-mix it in the mixing bowl. Also, make sure the ingredients are cold.
* **Cheese Straws are Too Dry:** This could be caused by adding too much flour or not enough butter or water. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and add the water gradually until the dough just comes together.
* **Cheese Straws are Too Oily:** This could be caused by adding too much butter or cheese. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately.
* **Cheese Straws are Not Crispy Enough:** This could be caused by not baking them long enough or at a high enough temperature. Make sure to bake them until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also try increasing the oven temperature slightly.
* **Cheese Straws are Burning:** This could be caused by baking them at too high of a temperature or for too long. Make sure to keep a close eye on them while they are baking and adjust the baking time or temperature as needed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Serving Size: 3-4 cheese straws
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 12-16g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 8-10g
* Fiber: 0-1g
* Sugar: 0-1g
* Protein: 4-6g
Conclusion
Sharp cheddar cheese straws are a delightful treat that’s easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to create crispy, flavorful cheese straws that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort!