These Cheddar-Curry Cheese Straws are more than just a snack. They're a nostalgic bite of joy, perfect for any gathering or casual Sunday game. Growing up, these cheese straws were a staple at every party in my family. The combination of sharp cheddar and warm curry powder makes them irresistibly flavorful, with just the right amount of crunch.
This recipe is part of my appetizer collection where you can find a multitude of dishes to make for entertaining. Some of my favorites are Stuffed Mini Peppers, Deviled Ham Stuffed Eggs or Caramelized Onion Tart.
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What Are Cheese Straws?
Cheese straws are a classic treat, popular in Europe and the southern United States, and a must-have in any hostess's repertoire. These simple yet delicious snacks are made from a basic dough of butter, flour, and grated cheese. Some recipes even include cottage cheese for an extra tender bite.
Traditionally served before a meal, cheese straws also pair beautifully with soups, salads, wine, or beer. What makes them special is their versatility. You can spice them up with cayenne, chili powder, or herbs like rosemary and thyme. Add seeds like caraway, sesame, or poppy for extra flavor.
While Cheddar is the go-to cheese, you can experiment with Parmesan, Gruyere, or even blue cheese for a different twist. The shapes and sizes can vary too—cut them into strips, triangles, or squares, and bake them until golden and crispy.
Making cheese straws at home is easy and rewarding, taking less than an hour. Store-bought versions often disappoint, so why not make a fresh batch yourself? They’re perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply as a snack with beer during a Sunday game.
I grew up with these treats, and they were a staple at family gatherings. Whether for Easter, Christmas, or just a weekend snack, cheese straws always bring a touch of homemade comfort to any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a light, crisp texture when baked.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cheese and spices, bringing out the savory notes in each bite.
- Curry Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sharpness of the cheddar. If curry powder is not your favorite, try other flavors, like turmeric, smoked paprika or other spice you like.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a tender, flaky texture in the dough while adding a rich, buttery flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient offers a sharp, tangy taste that melts beautifully into the dough for a cheesy, savory bite.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth dough, and is also used to brush the straws before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
- Poppy or Cumin Seeds: Sprinkled on top for added texture and a burst of nutty or earthy flavor, these seeds also add visual appeal to the finished straws.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Dry Ingredients. Sift the flour, salt, and curry powder into a mixing bowl.
Incorporate the Butter. Add the unsalted butter to the bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the Cheese and Egg. Mix in the shredded Cheddar cheese and half of the beaten egg to form a dough. The dough should come together nicely—if it's too dry, add a tiny bit more of the egg.
Chill the Dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the flavors meld together.
Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet to prepare for baking.
Roll and Cut the Dough. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch (5 mm) thick. Then, cut the dough into strips approximately 3x½ inch (7.5x1 cm) to create around 24 pieces. These will become your cheese straws.
Prepare for Baking. Place the dough strips onto the greased cookie sheet. Brush each one with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle with poppy or cumin seeds for added flavor and texture.
Bake to Perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown. Keep an eye on them. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cool and Enjoy. Once baked, transfer the cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them crisp up perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Cheddar-Curry Cheese Straws pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, from a simple marinara sauce to a more elaborate cheese fondue. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board, and offer a crunchy, flavorful contrast to softer cheeses and meats.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long!
Recipe Faqs
Yes, definitely. You can wrap the dough in plastic foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can do that. They are great for later use. Make sure you cool them first, then place them in freezer bags. They are also good for up to 3 months.
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📖 Recipe
Cheddar-Curry Cheese Straws
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting(if you measure in cups, make sure the ¾ cup is a generous one
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¼ cup poppy or cumin seeds for sprinkling
Instructions
- Sift flour, salt, and curry powder into a bowl.
- Add the butter and rub it in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the cheese and half the egg and mix to form a dough.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400F/200C.
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
- On a floured counter, roll out the dough to ¼ inch or 5 mm thick.
- Then cut 3x½ inch or 7.5x1cm strips, about 24 pieces.
- Place the strips on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Brush each straw with the remaining egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds or cumin seeds.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden.
- Finally, transfer them to wire racks to cool.
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