Southern Cheese Straws

These Southern Cheese Straws are the ultimate savory delight for parties, cocktail hours, or any gathering!

These crunchy treats boast a bold cheddar flavor that’s utterly irresistible, making them the perfect appetizer or snack option!

If you love a great appetizer, or snack, or even cracker recipe, you will love this recipe! Homemade cheese straws are so good! and they make a stunning presentation for your next family reunion, family gathering, BBQ or even holiday dinner!

If you love all things cheese try my recipe for air fryer asparagus crescent rolls, air fryer ranch goldfish snack mix, or homemade air fryer cheez-its!

What are Cheese Straws?

Cheese straws are savory baked snacks made from a mixture of cheese, flour, butter, and seasonings.

The dough is typically rolled out into thin strips, similar to breadsticks, and baked until crispy and golden brown. Cheese straws are known for their rich cheesy flavor and crunchy texture, making them a popular appetizer or snack choice for parties, gatherings, or simply as a tasty treat. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips, spreads, or charcuterie boards for added indulgence.

Ingredients Needed For Cheese Straws Recipe

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for easy recipe for cheese straws.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and the nutritional information.

• Refrigerated puff pastry dough: Serves as the buttery base for these savory treats.
• Grated parmesan cheese and sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a rich and cheesy flavor,
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the straws with aromatic herbs, enhancing their overall taste,
• Egg: Creates a golden and crispy exterior when baked.

How To Make Cheese Straws

Here are the simple steps to make Southern Cheese Straws:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add puff pastry to the baking sheet. Mix olive oil and Italian seasoning together. Using a silicone brush, coat puff pastry with mixture. 

Sprinkle cheese on top of puff pastry. Gently press into dough with your hands. 

Using a knife or pizza roller, cut the puff pastry into 1-inch strips.  Twist each strip starting at both ends to spiral. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Lightly brush egg wash over each spiral.

Place into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until puffy and golden brown.

Recipe Variations For Southern Cheese Straws

• Gluten-Free Cheese Straws:
  • Replace the regular puff pastry dough with gluten-free puff pastry dough for a gluten-free option.
  • Ensure that all other ingredients used, such as grated cheeses, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and egg, are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
• Guyanese Cheese Straws:
  • Add a Caribbean twist by incorporating finely minced Scotch bonnet peppers or a splash of hot pepper sauce into the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Optionally, mix in a small amount of curry powder or ground turmeric to infuse the straws with warm, aromatic flavors commonly found in Guyanese cuisine.
• Mississippi Cheese Straws:
  • For an authentic Mississippi flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese in the cheese mixture, giving the straws a rich and creamy texture.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese mixture for a hint of heat and depth of flavor characteristic of Mississippi Cheese Straws.
• Low Carb Cheese Straw: For those following a low-carb diet, these cheese straws offer a delicious alternative that’s still packed with flavor. Instead of using traditional puff pastry dough, this recipe calls for almond flour and shredded mozzarella cheese as the base. The dough is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a savory kick. After rolling out the dough and cutting it into strips, bake them until golden brown and crispy. These low-carb cheese straws are perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping your carb intake in check.

Pro Tips Southern Cheese Straws

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keep the puff pastry dough and grated cheese chilled until ready to use. Cold ingredients will help the dough maintain its flakiness and prevent it from becoming too soft and sticky.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the puff pastry dough gently and avoid overworking it, as this can cause the gluten to develop and result in tough cheese straws. Use a light touch when rolling out the dough and cutting it into strips.
• Add Flavorful Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to customize the flavor of your cheese straws. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika are all excellent options for adding extra flavor.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheeses with a strong flavor, such as sharp cheddar or Parmesan, for the best results. Freshly grated cheese will also yield better flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the cheese straws with beaten egg before baking helps to create a golden brown and crispy exterior. This step also adds shine and enhances the overall appearance of the finished straws.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cheese straws while they’re baking to prevent them from burning. They can go from golden brown to overdone very quickly, so it’s best to check them frequently towards the end of the baking time.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the cheese straws to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and become crispier as they cool.

Faqs

Can I make Southern Cheese Straws ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough for Southern Cheese Straws ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked cheese straws and bake them straight from the freezer as needed.

How do I store leftover Southern Cheese Straws? Store leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover cheese straws for longer storage. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Can I customize the flavor of Southern Cheese Straws? Yes, you can customize the flavor of Southern Cheese Straws by adding different herbs, spices, or seasonings to the cheese mixture. Experiment with ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor variations.

Can I make Southern Cheese Straws gluten-free? Yes, you can make gluten-free Southern Cheese Straws by using gluten-free puff pastry dough and ensuring that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of any store-bought ingredients to avoid gluten-containing additives.

How do I prevent Southern Cheese Straws from becoming too greasy? To prevent Southern Cheese Straws from becoming too greasy, be sure to use high-quality cheeses with a low moisture content. You can also blot the grated cheese with paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the dough.

Can I reheat Southern Cheese Straws? Yes, you can reheat Southern Cheese Straws in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they may become too crispy or dry.

What to Serve With Cheese Straws

Cheese straws are a versatile and delicious snack or appetizer that pairs well with a variety of other foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cheese straws:

Serve cheese straws with a selection of dips such as marinara sauce, air fryer salsa, guacamole, hummus, or spinach and artichoke dip for dipping.