My mother in law brings this to every spring gathering. You will not believe it only takes 4 ingredients to make
Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Straws
This classic Southern cheese straw recipe creates crisp, buttery bites packed with sharp cheddar flavor. The rich dough bakes into delicate, crunchy straws with a deep golden color and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 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 tsp, plus extra for sprinkling |
Directions
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Tip:
For the best texture, make sure both the butter and cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
Step 2:
Mix in the cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
Tip:
The cayenne adds a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
Step 3:
Add the flour gradually, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Once the dough becomes stiff, use your hands to gently knead it until smooth and no longer sticky.
Note:
Avoid overworking the dough to keep the cheese straws tender and crisp.
Step 4:
Roll small portions of dough into ropes about 1/2 inch thick and 3–6 inches long. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and lightly sprinkle with extra cayenne pepper.
Tip:
Press the ropes down slightly with your fingers so they bake evenly.
Step 5:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Let the cheese straws cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tip:
Cooling briefly on the pan helps them firm up and become extra crisp.
