Grandma's Cheese Straws

Crisp, buttery, and irresistibly cheesy, Grandma's Cheese Straws are the ultimate nostalgic snack packed with bold flavor and a delightful crunch. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of cayenne for subtle heat, and a touch of paprika for smoky depth, these classic Southern treats are perfect for every occasion—from casual afternoon snacks to elegant cocktail parties. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, with the option to pipe or roll the dough for beautifully crafted strips. Ready in under 30 minutes, these golden, melt-in-your-mouth cheese straws are a timeless crowd-pleaser that can be stored for days without losing their signature crispness. Serve them alongside soups, salads, or simply enjoy them as a savory appetizer or snack that brings comforting homemade charm to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:32 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 tablespoons Water (if needed)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, and softened unsalted butter.

Step 3

Add the salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika to the mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 4

If the dough seems too dry and does not come together, add water one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds its shape.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth.

Step 6

Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a cookie press to create long, thin strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Alternatively, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into thin strips.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese straws are lightly golden and crisp.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(317.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1508.5

Total Fat 97.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 258.3mg	0%
Sodium 1200.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.2g	0%
Total Sugars 0.6g
Protein 19.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 51.6mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 241.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.3%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 36.5%