Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws
There are those evenings when Donald, the kids, and I just want something quick and tasty, yet special enough to add a little sparkle to a regular weeknight. Enter Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws. They're crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, made with love in your own kitchen. It was last Sunday when Alex begged me for "something crunchy but cheesy" as an after-dinner treat. Well, I couldn't resist whipping these up quickly. Sometimes, the simplest things bring the biggest smiles.
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If you adore cheese the way my family does, you might also love Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws are a gem for anyone looking to spice up their snack game. Made with real ingredients, these cheese straws have a savory depth from Parmesan and a sharp kick from cheddar. They fit perfectly with hectic schedules, and trust me, the kids adore them—as does Donald with his weekend coffee. They're my go-to when we have last-minute guests or when we need a fun, family snack because nothing beats the taste of homemade.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, crumbled, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- In your trusty stand mixer, cream together the butter, sharp cheddar, and parmesan on high until it's all smooth and wonderful.
- Add flour, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Continue mixing until a thick, happy dough forms; don't forget to scrape down the sides.
- Transfer this dough onto plastic wrap, shaping it into an 8” long roll. Wrap it up and let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice the roll into 8 even pieces. I like to roll each one into a 10” rope and then cut them in the middle for perfect 5” straws.
- Arrange them on a lined baking sheet, sprinkle with a bit of the remaining parmesan—extra cheesy love never hurts!
- Roll the straws gently into the cheese, pop them into the oven, and bake for 12-15 minutes until they're golden brown.
- Let them cool a little bit before serving, though I admit, it’s hard to wait!
Recipe tips & variations
One thing I've learned from making these countless times—if you want to experiment, try adding some herbed spices like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. And, if you're catering to a garlic-lover, a pinch more garlic powder works wonders. Alex is a bit of a garlic fan, and I've adjusted just for him. This recipe is versatile; play around, and you might discover a family favorite combo!
Storage & reheating
After baking, let these cheese straws cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They stay crispy and fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough or already baked straws. When reheating, a short stint in the oven at 350 degrees brings back the crispiness we all love.
FAQs
How do I keep cheese straws from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the dough is key! It helps the straws hold their shape during baking. Make sure they're nice and firm before they go in the oven.
Can Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws be made ahead and stored for later?
Absolutely! Just prepare the dough, wrap it up, and keep it in the fridge. You can bake them fresh whenever the craving hits!
What type of cheese works best for flavorful and crisp cheese straws?
Sharp cheddar has that lovely strong taste, while parmesan gives it a salty depth and crisp texture. Together, they're magic!
Can I freeze the dough or baked cheese straws for long-term storage?
Yes, you can! Freeze the dough before slicing, or freeze the baked straws for a tasty snack anytime. Just remember, a quick oven reheat restores their crunch beautifully.
Recipes you may like
Love this cheesy wonder? Why not explore more? Check out Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost or refresh with a Pineapple Green Smoothie.
Print
Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Quick and tasty Parmesan and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Straws, perfect for a family snack or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, crumbled, room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- In your trusty stand mixer, cream together the butter, sharp cheddar, and parmesan on high until it's all smooth and wonderful.
- Add flour, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Continue mixing until a thick, happy dough forms; don't forget to scrape down the sides.
- Transfer this dough onto plastic wrap, shaping it into an 8” long roll. Wrap it up and let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice the roll into 8 even pieces. I like to roll each one into a 10” rope and then cut them in the middle for perfect 5” straws.
- Arrange them on a lined baking sheet, sprinkle with a bit of the remaining parmesan—extra cheesy love never hurts!
- Roll the straws gently into the cheese, pop them into the oven, and bake for 12-15 minutes until they're golden brown.
- Let them cool a little bit before serving, though I admit, it’s hard to wait!
Notes
- Experiment with herbed spices like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- A pinch more garlic powder can enhance the flavor for garlic lovers.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 straw
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
