4 Ingredient Cheese Straws Recipe

Introduction

These 4 Ingredient Cheese Straws are the perfect savory snack for parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something crispy and cheesy. Made with simple pantry staples, they bake into golden, flaky straws packed with sharp cheddar flavor and a gentle kick of cayenne pepper. Whether served as an appetizer, alongside soup, or enjoyed on their own, these homemade cheese straws are irresistibly crunchy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
2. Mix Butter and Cheese
   In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix with a spoon, spatula, or hand mixer until smooth and well blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
   Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, then add the flour. Mix until a thick dough forms. If the dough seems dry, continue pressing and kneading until it comes together.
4. Shape the Cheese Straws
   You can shape the dough two ways:

• Piping Method: Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe strips directly onto baking sheets.
• Rolling Method: Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long.

5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
   Place strips slightly apart on the prepared baking sheets. Straighten any uneven pieces.
6. Bake
   Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 16 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
7. Cool
   Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They will become crispier as they cool.
8. Store
   Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These homemade 4 Ingredient Cheese Straws are wonderfully crisp, buttery, and full of cheesy goodness with just the right hint of spice. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, they make a fantastic snack or party appetizer. Keep a batch on hand—you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear!