Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe
These Spicy Cheese Straws are a crispy, savory snack featuring a buttery dough enriched with sharp cheese and a kick of cayenne pepper. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful nibble alongside drinks, they bake to a golden crisp with a delightful spicy finish.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheese straws 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour, grated cheese, cayenne pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the base of the dough, ensuring a flaky texture.
- Form the Dough: Gather the mixture together and knead gently until it forms a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork it to keep the cheese straws tender.
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star or plain round nozzle. Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming long thin strips or shapes as desired.
- Bake: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese straws turn crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning due to the cheese content.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheese straws from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melt quality.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your spice preference.
- For variation, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep crisp.
- Ensure butter is cold to achieve the flaky texture.
Keywords: Spicy Cheese Straws, Cheese Snack, Appetizer, Cheese Pastry, Spicy Snack, Party Snack