Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Cheese Straws are a delightful snack combining cheesy richness with a kick of chili heat. Crispy and flavorful, these straws make a perfect appetizer or party treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 200 g plain white flour (all purpose flour)
• ¼ tsp English mustard powder
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 125 g salted butter
• 75 g Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese alternative
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 medium free range egg, beaten
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 390°F).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, mustard powder, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it forms a fine crumb. You can also pulse this in a food processor. The flour should take on a yellowish color when combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated cheese and chopped red chilli using a fork.
5. Step 5: Pour in the milk and cut through the mixture with a knife until it starts to clump together.
6. Step 6: Knead the mixture gently until it forms a smooth dough.
7. Step 7: Roll out the dough into a 28 cm (11 inch) square about 3–4 mm (1/8 inch) thick. Trim the edges to create an even square.
8. Step 8: Cut the dough into long strips approximately 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) wide.
9. Step 9: Place the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
10. Step 10: Lightly brush the straws with the beaten egg.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the top.
12. Step 12: Bake for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden.
13. Step 13: Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking tray; they should be light, crisp, and sturdy enough to hold when picked up by one end.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce or omit the chilli and add a pinch of smoked paprika instead for a smoky flavor.
• Try swapping Parmesan with cheddar or another hard cheese for different flavor profiles.
• If you don’t have English mustard powder, a small amount of Dijon mustard can be mixed into the milk before adding.
• Use a ruler and sharp knife or pizza cutter to get even strips, ensuring uniform baking.

Storage

Store cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking.

Can I freeze the cheese straws?

Prepared, unbaked strips can be frozen on a tray and then stored in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 508 reviews

These Spicy Cheese Straws are a crunchy and flavorful snack perfect for any occasion. Made from a buttery, cheesy dough with a kick of red chili, they bake to a crisp golden finish that offers an irresistible combination of spice and savory goodness. Easy to prepare and perfect for serving with drinks or as a party appetizer.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 20 cheese straws 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 200 g plain white flour (all purpose flour)
• ¼ tsp English mustard powder
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch salt and black pepper

Dairy & Cheese

• 125 g salted butter
• 75 g Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese alternative
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 medium free range egg (beaten)

Vegetables & Spices

• 1 red chilli (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan / 390F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for even baking of the cheese straws.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, English mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly combined to build the flavor base.
3. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed salted butter to the dry mixture. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor. The mixture should turn slightly yellow when well combined.
4. Add Cheese and Chilli: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese and the finely chopped red chilli using a fork to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk and use a cutlery knife to cut through the mixture until it begins to clump together, helping form a dough.
6. Knead Dough: Gently knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together smoothly without overworking it to ensure tender straws.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into approximately a 28cm (11 inch) square, about 3-4mm (1/8 inch) thick. Trim edges to even out the shape.
8. Cut Strips: Using a ruler or knife, cut the rolled dough into long strips about 1.5cm (1/2 inch) wide for uniform cheese straws.
9. Prepare Baking Sheets: Place the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets with some space between each to allow crisping.
10. Brush with Egg: Lightly brush the surface of each strip with the beaten egg to enhance browning and shine during baking.
11. Season: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the top of the strips to accentuate flavor.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the cheese straws are crisp, golden, and firm to the touch.
13. Cool: Leave the cheese straws to cool on the baking tray; they will crisp up further and should be sturdy enough to hold their shape when picked up.

Notes

• Use cold butter when rubbing into the flour to ensure a flaky texture.
• Adjust the amount of chilli for spiciness to taste or omit if you prefer milder straws.
• For vegetarian versions, ensure the cheese used is a vegetarian hard cheese alternative.
• It is important not to overwork the dough to keep the pastry light and crisp.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain crispness for several days.
• You can substitute whole milk with semi-skimmed or plant-based milk if preferred, but whole milk provides richer flavor.

Keywords: Spicy cheese straws, cheese snacks, savory pastry, party appetizers, baked snacks