Lee Harrelson
Looking for a new and delicious appetizer for this holiday season? You have to give spicy cheddar cheese straws a try. With ingredients like fresh cheddar cheese and crushed red pepper, this recipe is bursting with delectable flavor. They’re super easy to make, and oh-so tasty.
Want to know the best part? Spicy cheddar cheese straws are the perfect make-ahead dish for the holiday season. You can make the dough ahead of any Christmas party and bake them just before your guests arrive, and they also make an excellent hostess gift. With only 20 minutes of hands-on time, spicy cheddar cheese straws won’t keep you in the kitchen for long.
For a fun holiday gift, package them in festive bags and give them away to all your Christmas guests. We guarantee you’ll make them again and again.
How to Make It
Step 1
Pulse first 5 ingredients in a food processor at 5-second intervals until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add half-and-half, and process 10 seconds or until dough forms a ball.
Step 2
Note: Dough may be wrapped in plastic wrap, sealed in a zip-top plastic freezer bag, and chilled up to 3 days.
Step 3
Four-Seed Cheddar Triangles: Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare dough, and divide in half. Roll each half into a 9- to 10-inch round. Transfer rounds to parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Whisk together 1 egg white and 1 tsp. water just until foamy. Stir together 1/4 cup roasted, salted pumpkin seeds; 1/4 cup roasted sunflower kernels; 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds; and 2 Tbsp. black sesame seeds. Brush rounds with egg white mixture, and sprinkle with seed mixture. Cut each round into wedges of random sizes, using a fluted pastry wheel. Separate wedges about 1 inch apart. Bake 16 to 18 minutes; cool on baking sheets on wire racks 30 minutes.
