Cheese Straws - Master Cookbook Recipe # 27

Name: Cheese Straws - Master Cookbook Recipe # 27
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 3-4 dozen
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for a classic kick); Alternative: 2 tsp dry Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning

These cheese straws are a Southern staple,crispy, buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor. Whether you cut them into crackers or pipe them into traditional straws, they are the perfect savory snack for parties or holiday gifting.

This is recipe #27 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 12 minTotal time: 27 min

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Ingredients

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for a classic kick)
Alternative: 2 tsp dry Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning

Instructions

Cream Butter & Cheese: In a food processor or stand mixer, blend the room-temperature butter and shredded cheese together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Form Dough: Add the flour and your choice of seasoning (cayenne or ranch). Blend just until a soft dough forms.
Shape:
Option 1: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into small squares or cracker shapes.
Option 2: Place the dough into a pastry bag with a star tip and pipe into long "straws" or rosettes.
Bake: Arrange the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for approximately 12 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden brown.
Cool: Allow the cheese straws to cool completely on a wire rack before moving them. This ensures they reach their maximum crispness.
Store: Transfer to an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Notes

Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter and cheese are truly at room temperature before you start. This makes the blending process much easier and ensures a smooth, consistent dough.
Flavor Boost: If you like a more complex flavor, try using both the cayenne pepper and the ranch seasoning together!
Make Ahead: These freeze beautifully! You can freeze the baked cheese straws in an airtight container for extended storage,just bring them back to room temperature before serving.