These delicious Cheese Straws are an heirloom family recipe and Southern classics! Made with a cookie press, ready in 30 minutes and perfect for entertaining!
Preheat oven to 375º F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick silicon baking sheets. Set aside.
Grate cheddar cheese and place all but 1 cup into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add butter and cream butter and cheese together until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper and garlic powder. Gradually add flour mixture into cheese and butter mixture by large spoons full, taking care to fully incorporate after each addition.
Once all flour has been incorporated and dough is smooth, stir in final cup of grated cheddar cheese.
Place portions of dough into cookie press or large piping bag fitted with large star piping tip. Slowly pipe long strands of cheese straw dough onto prepared baking sheets about 1 - 1 1/2-inches apart. Then, cut into 6-inch lengths.
Bake cheese straws for 10-12 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to keep fresh.
Best eaten the day they are made, but will keep up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Note that cheese straws are extremely delicate and will break easily. This is part of their charm and character.
Notes
Storage InstructionsMake sure the cheese straws have completely cooled before storing. As they are extremely delicate and may break easily, they should be carefully layered on parchment paper in an airtight container. They should remain fresh for up to 3 days when stored in this manner.