Zesty Cheese Straws are a simple and quick classic appetizer recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, very soft
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-2/3 cups flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons flour
Preparation:
Let these cheese stand, covered, at room temperature for one hour before starting to make the dough.
In large bowl, combine butter with the cheeses and mix well. Add cayenne pepper, salt, 1-2/3 cups flour, and cornstarch and mix until a dough forms. Cover and chill for 2-4 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons flour and sprinkle half on work surface. Roll out dough, half at a time, onto flour mixture until 1/8" thick. Cut into thin strips. Place on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.
Bake the first batch for 12-17 minutes until crisp. While first batch is in oven, roll out second batch of dough using remaining cheese and flour mixture. Let straws cool on wire rack and store in airtight container at room temperature. Makes about 5 dozen straws.
