In the South, Cheese Straws are more than just a snack; they are a tradition found at every wedding shower, cocktail party, and holiday gathering. A proper cheese straw must be crisp, buttery, and have a slow-burning kick of cayenne pepper that catches you at the end.
The secret to the perfect texture is using extra-sharp cheddar and ensuring the dough isn’t overworked, which keeps them flaky rather than tough.
1. The Ingredients
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1 lb (4 cups) Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated by hand)
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½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter (softened)
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2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
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1 ½ tsp Salt
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1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust based on your heat preference)
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½ tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, for color and depth)
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1 tbsp Water (if needed to bind the dough)
2. Step-by-Step Instructions
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