Crunchy, buttery, and with just the right kick of heat, these Spicy Cheese Straws are the ultimate savory snack! Made with sharp cheddar cheese, a touch of cayenne pepper, and a hint of paprika, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of cheesy richness and bold spice in every bite. Perfectly crisp and golden, these homemade cheese straws come together in just 35 minutes, making them an easy yet impressive appetizer or treat for casual snacking. With their irresistible flavor and delicate twists, they're sure to be a hit at parties, game nights, or alongside your favorite bowl of soup. Plus, they're easy to store, so you can enjoy them for days!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the unsalted butter (cold and cubed) to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir the grated sharp cheddar cheese into the flour mixture until evenly distributed.
Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender texture.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into thin strips about 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) long.
Gently twist each strip before placing it onto the prepared baking tray. Leave a little space between each cheese straw to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Bake the cheese straws in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Remove the cheese straws from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the spicy cheese straws as a savory snack or appetizer. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Calories |
1635 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 109.6 g | 141% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.5 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 328 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 2489 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.8 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 64.9 g | 130% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1504 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 293 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.