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Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

5.2 from 13 reviews

These Spicy Cheese Straws are a perfectly crisp and flavorful snack with a kick of red chili and a cheesy Parmesan twist. Ideal for parties or as a savory nibble, they blend the sharpness of mustard powder and pepper with the richness of butter and cheese, baked to a golden, crunchy perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Wet Ingredients

  • 125 g salted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 1 medium free range egg (beaten, for brushing)

Additional Ingredients

  • 75 g Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese alternative (finely grated)
  • 1 red chilli (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 390°F) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cheese straws.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, English mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper to evenly distribute the flavors.
  3. Add Butter: Incorporate the cold, cubed salted butter by rubbing it into the flour mixture with your fingertips or pulsing briefly in a food processor. This should produce a fine crumbly texture, and the flour will take on a slightly yellow hue when combined well.
  4. Incorporate Cheese and Chilli: Add the finely grated Parmesan cheese and chopped red chilli to the mixture. Stir with a fork to distribute them evenly throughout the crumbly dough base.
  5. Add Milk and Form Dough: Pour in the milk and, using a butter knife, cut through the mixture until it begins to clump together. Gently knead the mixture by hand until it forms a smooth dough.
  6. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into an approximately 28cm (11-inch) square, about 3-4mm (1/8 inch) thick. Trim the edges to create a neat square for even strips.
  7. Cut Strips: Using a ruler, cut the dough into long strips roughly 1.5cm (1/2 inch) wide each to ensure consistent baking.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the strips on one or two nonstick baking trays, spacing them slightly apart to prevent sticking.
  9. Egg Wash: Lightly brush each strip with the beaten egg to give the cheese straws a beautiful golden glaze when baked.
  10. Season: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the top to enhance the flavors and add a bit of extra seasoning.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the straws become crisp and golden brown.
  12. Cool: Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking tray. Once cooled, they should be light, crunchy, and sturdy enough to hold their shape when picked up.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to achieve a flaky, crumbly texture in the dough; this is key for crispy straws.
  • You can substitute Parmesan with a vegetarian hard cheese alternative to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
  • The red chilli adds heat; adjust the quantity or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Be careful not to overwork the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
  • These cheese straws store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, retaining their crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy cheese straws, cheese snacks, easy appetizers, Parmesan cheese straws, party snacks