Cheese Straws: Crispy Southern Cheddar Holiday Snack

Cheese straws are a true Southern holiday classic. They are crisp, buttery, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, with a little cayenne heat at the end that keeps you reaching for another. In the South they show up at Christmas parties, bridal showers, and in tins given to neighbors.

The dough is made with just a few ingredients: extra-sharp cheddar, butter, flour, salt, and cayenne. You can pipe it into classic ridged straws with a cookie press, or roll and twist it into long sticks like these.

Pack them in a tin with my peppermint bark for a sweet and savory gift, or serve them with this party cheese ball.

JUMP TO

• Why You’ll Love This Cheese Straws
• What Is Cheese Straws?
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Equipment
• Ingredient Tips
• How to Make Cheese Straws
• Expert Tips for Perfect Cheese Straws
• Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Cheese Straws
• Storage Instructions
• Can You Make It Ahead?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Estimated Nutrition
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Straws

These are the savory snack everyone hopes is in the holiday tin.

Big Cheddar Flavor

Extra-sharp cheese makes them bold.

Crisp and Buttery

Like a homemade cheese cracker.

Make-Ahead

They keep for a week and freeze well.

Great Gift

Perfect in tins for neighbors and teachers.

Few Ingredients

Cheese, butter, flour, and spice.

What Is Cheese Straws?

Cheese straws are thin, crisp crackers made from a dough of cheese, butter, and flour. They have been a staple in Southern kitchens for over a century.

Traditionally the dough is piped through a cookie press with a star tip, making long ridged strips. Twisted versions are just as tasty and need no special tools.

They are similar to a homemade cheese cracker but richer and more delicate.

Ingredients

Dough

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Extra-sharp cheddar, finely shredded from a block	8 ounces	Main flavor
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup (1 stick)	Richness
All-purpose flour	1½ cups	Structure
Salt	½ teaspoon	Seasoning
Cayenne pepper	¼ to ½ teaspoon	Gentle heat
Smoked paprika	¼ teaspoon	Color
Cold water or milk	1 to 2 tablespoons	Brings dough together

Topping

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Egg white, beaten (optional)	1	Shine
Flaky salt	Pinch	Finish

Kitchen Equipment

• Stand mixer or food processor
• Box grater
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter
• 2 baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie press (optional)

Ingredient Tips

Shred Your Own Cheddar

Bagged cheese has starches that make the dough dry.

Extra-Sharp Only

Mild cheddar gets lost.

Soft Butter and Cheese

Room temperature helps them blend smoothly.

Adjust the Heat

Use ¼ teaspoon cayenne for kids, ½ for a kick.

Fine Shreds

Use the small holes for a smoother dough.

How to Make Cheese Straws

Step 1: Mix Butter and Cheese

Beat the cheddar and butter together until well blended and creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, salt, cayenne, and paprika. Mix on low until crumbly, then add water a little at a time until the dough holds together.

Step 3: Chill

Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill 30 minutes.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Heat the oven to 350°F. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a ⅛-inch-thick rectangle. Cut into ½-inch-wide strips about 5 inches long.

Step 5: Twist

Twist each strip a few times and place on parchment-lined sheets. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with flaky salt.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 13 to 16 minutes, until golden at the edges and crisp.

Step 7: Cool

Cool completely on the pan; they crisp as they cool.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheese Straws

Do Not Overmix

Overworked dough turns tough.

Chill Before Rolling

Cold dough is easier to twist.

Even Thickness

They bake evenly and crisp all the way.

Watch the Edges

Cheese burns fast; pull at golden.

Cool Completely

They are soft hot and crisp when cool.

Delicious Variations

Cookie Press Style

Pipe with a star disk for classic ridged straws.

Pecan

Add ½ cup finely chopped pecans.

Parmesan

Swap a quarter of the cheddar for parmesan.

Rosemary

Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary.

Puff Pastry Shortcut

Twist puff pastry strips with cheddar.

What to Serve with Cheese Straws

Serve cheese straws in tall glasses or jars on a party table.

They pair beautifully with glögg, wine, or cocktails.

Add them to a holiday cheese board or pack them in tins for gifts.

Storage Instructions

Storage Method	How Long	Best Practice
Room Temperature	1 week	Airtight tin
Freezer (baked)	3 months	Airtight container
Freezer (dough)	3 months	Wrapped disk

Re-crisp at 300°F for 5 minutes if they soften.

Thaw dough overnight in the fridge before rolling.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Make the dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.

Bake up to 1 week ahead and store in a tin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bagged Cheese

Dry, crumbly dough.

Mild Cheddar

Bland flavor.

Too Thick

Soft centers.

Overbaking

Bitter, burnt cheese taste.

Storing Warm

Steam makes them soft.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	180
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	6g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Sodium	210mg
Cholesterol	30mg

Estimate per 4 straws, based on 12 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Southern cheese straws are crispy, cheesy, and a little spicy, the perfect savory holiday snack.

Bake a batch for your party table and an extra one for gift tins.

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