Cheese Straws: the simple, flavorful appetizer recipe

Cheese straws are an easy Southern recipe everyone will love. Super delicious, the savory, cheesy flavors and peppery hint balance each bite perfectly, making this dish the ultimate appetizer or party hand-held snack.

Each one of these long cheddar cheese straw is slightly crisp, flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. You just need a few ingredients to make this tasty recipe even with the kids – no cookie press is required. Serve it with your favorite drink or when you are in the mood to munch on something appetizing together with a salad or soup.

Although the origins of this recipe are not well known, it is thought to have originated in the South, when a cook used to mix leftover biscuit dough with cheese. He started forming long, narrow strips and baking them along with the biscuits, to be served as savory snacks instead of during meals.

Customize your cheese straws as you want, you can garnish them with sesame seeds or even roll them up for a fancier look. You won't resist these flavorful cheese straws, it's sure.

Tips for the Best Cheddar Cheese Straws

You can make cheese straws a day in advance.

If you want to make it more flavorful, try using a different variation of cheese, or spices.

How to store Cheese Straws

You can store cheese straws at room temperature for a week. Unbaked dough can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for a month, closed in an airtight container.

Before serving, bake cheese straws in the oven at 350°F for up to 5 minutes to make it crispy again.

How to make Cheese Straws

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, beat butter at medium speed until fluffy. Add in the cheese. Blend.

Gradually add in the sifted flour, salt and cayenne pepper. Mix until combined, then knead until you get a smooth dough.

Roll it out and cut into several strips about 6-inch long, then transfer them about an inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for up to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool for 5 minutes with oven door open.

Transfer the cheese straws to wire racks until completely cool.