My mother in law brings this to every spring gathering. You will not believe it only takes 4 ingredients to make
Southern-Style 4-Ingredient Cheese Straws
These traditional Southern cheese straws are crisp, buttery, and loaded with bold cheddar flavor. Each straw bakes up perfectly golden with a light crunch and a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy finish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded | 2 cups (8 oz) |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon, plus extra for topping |
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Helpful Tip: Let the butter and cheese sit at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest dough texture.
Step 2:
Stir in the cayenne pepper until fully incorporated.
Helpful Tip: The cayenne provides a mild warmth that enhances the rich cheese flavor without overpowering it.
Step 3:
Slowly add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a thick dough forms. When the dough becomes difficult to stir, knead it gently by hand until smooth and no longer sticky.
Note: Handle the dough lightly to keep the cheese straws delicate and crisp after baking.
Step 4:
Take small portions of dough and roll them into ropes about 1/2 inch thick and 3–6 inches long. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets and lightly dust with extra cayenne pepper.
Helpful Tip: Flatten the ropes slightly with your fingertips so they bake evenly and develop a crisp texture.
Step 5:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese straws are deep golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Helpful Tip: Letting them rest briefly on the pan helps them firm up and become extra crunchy.
