Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Straws

Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Straws

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional, depending on cheese saltiness)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough
   In a bowl, mix the softened butter and shredded cheddar until creamy and well combined.
   Add flour (and salt if using) and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the straws
   You can:
   • Use a cookie press for classic cheese straws, or
   • Roll small portions into thin sticks (like pencil-thin ropes)
4. Bake
   Place on baking sheet, slightly spaced apart.
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool
   Let them cool on a rack—they’ll crisp up as they cool.

Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
• Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
• Add a pinch of cayenne if you want a slight kick (optional, not part of the 4 ingredients).