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“What can I bring?” is what I find myself asking all throughout the holidays. And the response is “Anything is fine”, ugh what does that mean? You know the host will have a cheese tray and a charcuterie board so what can you bring that is quick, easy, homemade and delicious? These cheese straws are ALWAYS a hit.  They are typically a southern nibble, but no matter where you live people will love these. They just go so good with a glass of bubbly, wine, beer, coke, water, milk…:) honestly anything.

These take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook and have 6 ingredients that I am sure you have lying around your pantry and fridge. And I am almost positive you have a fork and pizza cutter.  The only thing you might not have is a rolling pin and if you don’t have one of those then use a drinking glass to roll out the dough-problem solved!

Another note-this recipe only calls for 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to just give it a hint of spice, but if you like things really spicy then just up the cayenne or add 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Enjoy and happy cocktail partying!

Stefani

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Cheese Straws

Crunchy, light, crispy, savory these cheese straws are a traditional nibble at a cocktail party. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 stick chilled butter, cut into cubes (8 Tablespoons)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 4-5 tablespoons ice cold water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a food processor combine cheese, flour, butter, salt, baking powder and cayenne pepper.  Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.  About 15-20 seconds.

  3. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time and pulse until mixture clumps together. You might need more or less water depending on the air outside (humid or dry, cold or hot). Dump the dough onto a floured work surface. Knead the dough until it comes together and forms a ball.  Roll the dough out using a rolling pin into a 10" square, about 1/4" thick.  This does not have to be exact! 

  4. Drag a fork across the entire surface to form decorative lines. 

  5. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut the square of dough in half (perpendicular to the lines).  Then cut the dough into strips in the direction of the lines.  Place the strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crisp. 

  6. Let straws cool completely then serve.  These may be stored in an air tight container at room temperature for up to a week.