Cheesy and Crispy: Perfect Cheese Straws Recipe
Are you looking for a tasty and easy snack to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this Easy As Pie Cheese Straws recipe. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe will be a breeze to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a crispy yet indulgent snack that will have your taste buds dancing.
Cheese straws are a beloved treat favored by many thanks to their flaky pastry and cheesy goodness. This recipe takes things up a notch with the addition of cayenne pepper for a touch of warmth and red pepper for a bit of zing. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
With these cheese straws, you’ll have the perfect snack for any occasion. They make for great appetizers at parties or can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack. Plus, they are easy to make ahead of time and store for later use.
So go ahead, give this Easy As Pie Cheese Straws recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready for a snack that will knock your socks off? Look no further than this Easy As Pie Cheese Straws recipe! You’ll absolutely love how quick and easy it is to whip up a batch of these flaky, cheesy straws.
But the best part? The delicious flavor explosion that happens in your mouth with every bite. The sharp cheddar cheese, mixed with a little cayenne pepper for a kick, is perfectly balanced by the buttery puff pastry crust. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite.
And don’t let the word “easy” fool you – these cheese straws look and taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery. Impress your friends and family with these beautiful and delicious snacks at your next get-together.
So what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients together – I promise, you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before we begin making our Easy As Pie Cheese Straws Recipe, let’s go through the ingredients we will use. This recipe requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here is what you’ll need:
– 1 (11 oz) package piecrust mix
– 1 (5 oz) jar sharp process cheese spread
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 (11 ounce) package frozen puff pastry
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
The piecrust mix comes in handy and saves you so much time compared to making the pie crust from scratch. You can find it at your local grocery store, usually in the baking aisle. For the cheese spread, I recommend using a jar of Kraft Old English Cheese or any brand of your choice that has a similar consistency. The cayenne pepper adds a nice kick to the recipe, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference. The shredded cheddar cheese adds a delightful flavor to the straws as well. Be sure to check that you have all these ingredients before starting the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
To get started on the recipe, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cheese straws bake evenly and turn out crispy.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Mix 1: In a small mixing bowl, mix 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Mix 2: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated Kraft Old English cheese (1 jar) and 4 teaspoons of ground red pepper.
To prepare your ingredients, you need to make two separate mixtures. Mix 1 consists of cayenne pepper and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix 2 includes a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, grated Kraft Old English cheese (1 jar), and ground red pepper. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry dough into a rectangle roughly measuring 11 x 13 inches.
Once you have prepared your ingredients, it’s time to roll out your puff pastry dough. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 11 x 13 inches.
Step 4: Add Cheese Mixtures
Spread mixture 2 onto half of the pastry sheet. Then fold the other half over the top and roll lightly with a rolling pin to help seal the mixture between the layers.
Next, spread mixture from Mix 2 onto half of the pastry sheet. To make sure the mixture does not spill out while you are baking, fold the other half over the top and roll lightly with a rolling pin to help seal in the mixture between layers.
Step 5: Cut Strips and Twists
Using a pizza cutter or knife cut the dough into strips measuring approximately 1/2 inch x 8 inches. To create an interesting twisty effect pinch one end and twist it around several times before placing it onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
After cutting your dough into strips measuring about 1/2 inch x 8 inches, use a twisting motion by pinching one end around several times before placing it onto your lightly greased baking sheet. This will create an interesting twisty effect that makes for an attractive appetizer display.
Step 6: Bake Your Cheese Straws
Brush each cheese straw with egg wash made from beating together one beaten large egg with half a cup of water. Transfer them to your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Once your cheese straws are ready for baking, brush each straw with an egg wash
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about making cheese straws is that there are so many variations you can try. Here are some ideas to switch up the recipe and make it your own:
– Cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, try using other types of hard or semi-hard cheeses like gruyere, parmesan, or even smoked gouda for an extra punch of flavor.
– Spiciness: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder kick, use 1/8 teaspoon instead of 1/4 teaspoon. You could also add other spices like paprika or garlic powder for a different flavor profile.
– Pastry: If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, short crust pastry recipes work well too. You could also experiment with phyllo dough or even pie crust mix to create different textures and flavors.
– Shape: Rather than using a straw shape, try cutting the dough into squares, circles or triangles to add some variety. Or, make mini twists or braids for something a little different.
– Cheese twists: If you want to make traditional cheese twists instead of cheese straws, roll out the pastry into long rectangles and sprinkle grated cheese on half the length. Fold over the other half to press down and seal in the cheese, then cut into thin strips and twist each one before baking.
– Bread sticks: For a larger, more substantial snack, make bread sticks instead of straws by rolling out thicker strips of dough and sprinkling with grated parmesan and herbs before baking.
– Mozzarella sticks: You can also use this same recipe but substitute the cheddar for mozzarella sticks cut in lengths.
There’s no limit to what you can do with this recipe, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and shapes until you find your perfect combination!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked a batch of these cheesy and flaky pie cheese straws, it’s time to enjoy them. These snacks are perfect for serving at parties, as an appetizer before the main course or even as a side with soup or salad.
For pairing, I recommend you go for light-bodied white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. The acidity of these wines complements the cheese straws’ tanginess and brings out the flavors. However, If you prefer red wine, try light-bodied ones like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
These cheese straws will also pair well with cocktails such as Bloody Marys, Martinis, and Mojitos. You can even make more than one batch of cheese straws with different spices to add some variety and appeal to your guests.
To serve, place the cheese straws on a plate or dish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs such as parsley, chives or cilantro. This will not only help enhance the presentation but also add some freshness to each bite.
Alternatively, if you want to make a meal out of these cheese straws, consider serving them together with others snack options such as breadsticks, mozzarella sticks or even small crostini bites. This way you can create a snack board that everyone can pick and choose from.
No matter how you serve them or what you decide to pair them with, these delicious pie cheese straws are sure to be a hit at any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great aspects of this easy pie cheese straws recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for future snacking. To make them ahead, simply prepare the recipe as directed, and then freeze the cheese straws on a baking sheet until solid. Once hardened, transfer the straws to an airtight container or freezer bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
When it’s time to serve, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the frozen cheese straws for 15-18 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. The cheese straws will taste just as delicious as when they were first made!
To store already-baked cheese straws, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. However, if you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider storing them in the fridge for up to one week.
If you happen to have leftovers that you would like to reheat, simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), arrange the cheese straws on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 5-7 minutes until they are hot and crisped up again.
These make-ahead, storage, and reheating tips all help ensure that every time you bite into a cheese straw it feels like it was freshly baked!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure you get perfect results when making this easy pie cheese straws recipe, I recommend following some tips and tricks that will help you achieve flaky, cheesy and delicious cheese straws every time.
1. Use a Quality Cheese
For the best flavor, use high-quality cheddar cheese to create your cheese straws. Shredded cheddar cheese will add the perfect sharpness and saltiness to bring out the flavor of the puff pastry. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often contains fillers which can affect the texture of your final product.
2. Don’t Skimp on The Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it’s important to use enough. We want it to have great flavor, but we also need it for its function in keeping the dough flaky and delicate. Don’t be afraid to generously brush melted butter on top of the pastry.
3. Spice It Up with Cayenne Pepper
If you want to add a little kick to your cheese straws, try adding some cayenne pepper to the dough mixture along with some black pepper. This can give a depth to flavors and balance out the saltiness from the cheese.
4. Freeze Your Ingredients Before Baking
To ensure that your puff pastry stays flaky and crisp as it bakes, make sure that you place your filled cheese straws in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before baking. This creates layers that become flakier when they’re being cooked.
5. Make Smaller Portions for Parties
These cheesy straws are addictive – don’t be surprised if people keep going back for more! When making them, consider dividing the puff pastry sheets into smaller portions so that everyone can have their own, which is much more hygienic especially in times like these.
By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure that your easy pie cheese straws recipe turns out perfectly every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy as pie cheese straws recipe is a must-try for any cheese lover out there. With readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can effortlessly whip up a batch of these savory snacks that will be sure to please any crowd. Plus, with the ability to make substitutions and variations, you can tweak and modify the recipe to cater to your taste buds.
I hope these detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations make it easy for you to make perfect cheese straws every time. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite drink or dip for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you are hosting a party or just want to satisfy your cravings, these cheese straws are perfect for any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out this recipe today; I am confident it will quickly become a staple at your events and get-togethers. Happy baking!
Easy As Pie Cheese Straws Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (11 ounce) package dry pie crust mix
- 1 (5 ounce) jar Kraft Old English cheese spread
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Using food processor or mixer, blend pie crust mix, cheese spread and cayenne pepper until dough ball is formed.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes before rolling out and cutting with desired cookie cutter shape, or cutting into strips approximately 2 inches in length.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in pre-heated 375 degree oven for 8 minutes.
- Remove from pan after cooling 5 minutes.
- Store in air-tight container.
- NOTE: Preparation time includes 20 minutes chilling time.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.