4-Ingredient Southern Cheese Straws

4-Ingredient Southern Cheese Straws

 Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 2 (5-oz) jars Old English cheese spread (or similar cheese spread)
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)

 Instructions

1. Mix butter & cheese:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the cheese spread and mix until well combined.
2. Add dry ingredients:
   Stir in the flour and cayenne just until the dough comes together — don’t overmix.
3. Shape the straws:
   Spoon the dough into a cookie press fitted with a star tip. Press into 3-inch long “straws” onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

   Tip: If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll logs of dough and slice them into strips, or shape by hand.

4. Chill (optional):
   Refrigerate shaped straws for about 30 minutes — this helps them keep their shape while baking.
5. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Bake for about 14 minutes or until lightly golden and firm to the touch.
6. Cool & serve:
   Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely — they crisp up as they cool.

Notes

• These cheesy straws are a traditional Southern snack/appetizer — buttery, slightly spicy, and addictively crisp.
• Old English cheese spread is classic in the 4-ingredient version, but you can use finely grated sharp cheddar alone in more traditional recipes (though that adds a 5th ingredient).

Let me know if you want variations like extra sharp cheddar, herb-infused, or spicy Jalapeño cheese straws