Cheddar Cheese Straws

(10)

Savory and rich with the perfect amount of peppery kick.

Prep Time:
30 mins
Bake Time:
12 mins
Total Time:
42 mins
Yield:
10 dozen

Every Southern food enthusiast has a go-to cheddar cheese straw recipe up his or her sleeve, and we're making the case for this one. It's savory and rich with the perfect amount of peppery kick. Ideal for a party snack - this recipe travels well, and it's so easy to make. In fact, you'll only need 6 ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Seriously! You can get the family involved with the recipe, too. It's a big hit with the kids and a welcome substitution for gold fish crackers or Cheezits. Packed with bursting cheddar flavor, you won't be able to resist a second helping.

Cheese Straws

Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 pound block sharp orange Cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons ground red pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

  1. Beat first 5 ingredients at medium speed with a heavy-duty stand mixer until blended. Gradually add flour, beating just until combined.

  2. Use a cookie press with a star-shaped disk to shape mixture into long ribbons, following manufacturer's instructions, on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Cut ribbons into 2-inch pieces.

  3. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

  4. Cheese Wafers: Combine ingredients as directed; chill dough 2 hours. Shape dough into 4 (8-inch-long) logs; wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill 8 hours. Cut each log into 1/4-inch-thick slices; place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container 1 week.

Chef's Notes

If you don't have a heavy-duty stand mixer, you can use a handheld mixer. Just divide the ingredients in half, and work with two batches.

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