Cheese straws are a classic Southern delicacy you’ll love enjoying for an everyday snack, as well as serving when entertaining and at special events. These buttery, crispy baked cheese straws deliver the perfect flavor and texture combination – and a pinch of cayenne adds just the right amount of spiciness. Quick and easy to make, this recipe for cheese straws brings homemade crackers to the next level! Share this baked cheese straws recipe with friends and family members on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram – and tag us when posting!

Wondering how to make cheese straws? The process is simpler than you may think! Begin by placing several ice cubes in a small bowl or cup and add about ½ cup cold water. Set aside to chill.

Preheat oven to 400°F and generously butter two baking sheets or coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Put flour and red pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Cut Cabot Salted Butter or Cabot Extra Creamy Premium Sea Salted Butter into pieces and add to flour. Pulse mixture about 10 times until butter is in smaller pieces. (Alternatively, whisk flour and red pepper together in bowl, then work in butter with fingertips.)

Add 1 cup of cheese (Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar or Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar) and pulse several times to blend. A tablespoon at a time, pulse in just enough ice water to make a mixture that appears crumbly but holds together when firmly squeezed. Do this for about 4 tablespoons. (Alternatively, use a fork to stir in cheese, then stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, to the mixture in bowl.) Turn mixture onto a work surface and press into a rough square.

Dust dough and work surface lightly with flour as needed. Roll dough out into an approximate 12-inch square. Sprinkle one half of square with remaining ½ cup cheese. Fold bare half of dough over cheese. Neaten the edge of rectangle and lengthen into 20-inch-long strip with rolling pin.

Cut strip crosswise into ½-inch-wide straws, using a knife or pastry wheel. Twist both ends in opposite directions before placing about ½ inch apart on baking sheets.

Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown, watching carefully toward end of baking time to avoid burning. If straws have adhered to baking sheets, loosen with a spatula. Let cool.

For more baked cheese recipes, try these Cheddar Fish Crackers next. As a cooperative of farm families, Cabot is dedicated to creating the highest quality products and recipes that best showcase the fresh flavors of our products. Please share your thoughts on this recipe for cheese straws by rating and reviewing it when you have a chance.