Derby Day Cheese Straws (Printable Version)

Buttery cheese sticks blended with Parmesan and cayenne offer a crisp, savory bite for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
02 - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
03 - ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Pantry

04 - 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
05 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional

08 - 1–2 tablespoons cold water, as needed

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a food processor, combine cheddar, Parmesan, flour, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until evenly mixed.
03 - Add cold butter cubes to the food processor and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
04 - If dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until dough just comes together.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.
06 - Cut dough into strips about ½ inch wide and 6 inches long using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
07 - Transfer strips to prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even crisping.
08 - Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy throughout.
09 - Allow straws to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're done in 30 minutes flatand half that time is just waiting for the oven to do its job.
  • The cayenne gives you that subtle heat that keeps people reaching for just one more, then one more after that.
  • They taste like you've been in the kitchen for hours, but your secret is safe with me.
02 -
  • Cold butter is non-negotiable; if your butter is soft, you'll end up with a dense, greasy result instead of crispy straws.
  • Don't skip the 5-minute cool-down on the baking sheet; this is when they firm up and achieve that shattering crispness.
03 -
  • Grate your cheese fresh right before you make these; pre-shredded versions contain anti-caking agents that interfere with texture.
  • If your dough tears while rolling, just press the pieces together; these are rustic and forgiving, and no one will notice.
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