Cheese Straws

These cheese straws are easy to make for buttery, crisp pastries packed with sharp Cheddar flavor—perfect for a holiday appetizer or party snack.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 99 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• milk, as needed
• 0.5 cup butter, softened
• 0.25 teaspoon ground red pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

Step 2

Beat butter and Cheddar cheese together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy and well blended. Add flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too crumbly, add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it just comes together.

Step 3

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll out to ½ inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch strips using a knife, pastry wheel, or cookie press with a star tip for a traditional look.

Step 4

Arrange cheese straws 1 ½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets; sprinkle with ground red pepper if using.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.