Savory Cheddar Cheese Straws Delight
Indulge in the irresistible crunch and rich flavor of Savory Cheddar Cheese Straws Delight, a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. These elegantly crafted cheese straws are made with extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a bold taste, combined with a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Easy to prepare, they can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear within moments! Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a delightful addition to any cheese platter, these cheese straws will surely impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (grated (about 6 ounces))
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (softened, cut into 4 pieces)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (plus more for dusting)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Half-and-half
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a food processor, combine the grated cheddar cheese, softened butter, flour, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pulse the mixture for about five 5-second intervals until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Add the half-and-half to the mixture and process for about 10 seconds, or until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball.
4
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough using a floured rolling pin. Aim for an 8 by 10-inch rectangle that is about 1/8-inch thick.
5
Using a sharp knife, pizza wheel, or pastry wheel, carefully cut the dough into thin strips approximately 8 inches long and 1/4 to 1/3-inch wide. Dipping your knife in flour between cuts can help achieve clean edges.
6
Gently transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring at least 1/4-inch of space between each strip. Don’t worry if they sag or break—just do your best to arrange them.
7
Bake in the preheated oven on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
8
Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and allow the cheese straws to cool on a rack. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar Cheese Straws Delight?
They are a crunchy and rich appetizer or snack made with extra-sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a bold and savory taste.
How much cheese is required for the recipe?
You will need 1.5 cups of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, which is approximately 6 ounces.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces.
What type of flour is used in cheese straws?
Use 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and keep a bit extra on hand for dusting your work surface.
What spices provide the kick in these cheese straws?
A half-teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes provides a subtle kick to the flavor.
What liquid is used to bind the dough?
One tablespoon of half-and-half is used to help the dough come together into a cohesive ball.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
How do I mix the initial ingredients?
Combine the grated cheese, butter, flour, salt, and red pepper flakes in a food processor.
How long should I pulse the food processor?
Pulse for about five 5-second intervals until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
How long do I process the dough after adding half-and-half?
Process for approximately 10 seconds until the dough forms a ball.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the dough to a thickness of about 1/8-inch.
What are the target dimensions for the rolled dough?
Aim for an 8 by 10-inch rectangle.
What tools can be used to cut the cheese straws?
You can use a sharp knife, a pizza wheel, or a pastry wheel to cut the strips.
How wide should the cheese straw strips be?
The strips should be between 1/4 and 1/3-inch wide.
How long should the cheese straw strips be?
Cut the dough into thin strips approximately 8 inches long.
How can I keep the dough from sticking to the knife?
Dipping your knife or cutting tool in flour between cuts helps achieve clean edges.
How much space is needed between strips on the baking sheet?
Leave at least 1/4-inch of space between each strip on the parchment paper.
How long do the cheese straws take to bake?
Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the visual cue that the straws are finished?
They are done when the edges are lightly browned.
Where should I place the baking sheet in the oven?
Place the sheet on the middle rack for even baking.
How should the cheese straws be cooled?
Allow them to cool on a rack after removing them from the oven.
What is the best temperature to serve cheese straws?
They should be served at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I store these cheese straws?
Yes, they can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later enjoyment.
Are these suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, they are ideal for parties, gatherings, or as part of a cheese platter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: cheddar cheese, butter, flour, salt, red pepper flakes, and half-and-half.
What kind of salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The butter should be softened and cut into 4 pieces, not melted.
What should I do if the strips break while transferring them?
Don't worry if they sag or break; simply arrange them as best as you can on the baking sheet.