Introduction

These Spicy Cheese Straws are a deliciously crunchy snack with a kick of heat from red chilli and a rich, cheesy flavor. Perfect for parties or an afternoon treat, they’re easy to make and wonderfully addictive.

Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe - Recipe Image

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 salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 390°F).
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, mustard powder, and black pepper.
Step 3: Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until you achieve a fine crumb texture. You can also pulse in a food processor if preferred. The flour will take on a yellower hue when combined properly.
Step 4: Stir in the finely grated cheese and chopped red chilli using a fork.
Step 5: Add the milk and use a cutlery knife to mix until the dough begins to clump together.
Step 6: Knead the dough gently just until it comes together into a smooth ball.
Step 7: Roll the dough out to a 28 cm (11 inch) square, about 3-4 mm (1/8 inch) thick. Trim the edges to even out the shape.
Step 8: Cut the dough into long strips approximately 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) wide.
Step 9: Arrange the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets with a little space between each.
Step 10: Lightly brush the straws with beaten egg.
Step 11: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until crisp.
Step 13: Let the cheese straws cool on the baking trays. They should be crisp and sturdy enough to hold their shape when picked up.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked cheese or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor twist.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chopped red chilli or remove the seeds.
These straws can also be shaped into twists before baking for a fun presentation.
For a vegetarian option, choose a hard cheese suitable for vegetarians or a vegetarian alternative.

Storage

Store cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness. If they soften over time, you can refresh them in a hot oven (180°C / 350°F) for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheese straws ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cut the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and cutting.

Can I freeze baked cheese straws?

It’s best to freeze the dough before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking. Baked straws do not freeze as well because they may lose their crispness upon thawing.

Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

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4.4 from 415 reviews

These Spicy Cheese Straws are a deliciously crispy and flavorful snack, combining sharp Parmesan cheese with a hint of heat from red chilli. Perfect as a savory nibble with drinks or as an appetizer, they feature a buttery, flaky texture enhanced by mustard powder and freshly ground black pepper.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Flavorings

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/390°F) to prepare for baking the cheese straws.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, English mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed salted butter to the flour mixture. Rub together with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, pulse briefly in a food processor. The flour should take on a slightly yellow tone when ready.
Add Cheese and Chilli: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and the finely chopped red chilli using a fork to combine the flavors well.
Add Milk and Form Dough: Pour in the milk and use a cutlery knife to cut through the mixture until it starts to clump together. Then knead gently by hand until a smooth dough forms.
Roll Dough: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about a 28cm (11 inch) square and around 3-4 mm (1/8 inch) thick. Trim the edges for evenness.
Cut Strips: Using a ruler for guidance, cut the dough into long strips approximately 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) wide.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Arrange the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart so they don’t stick together.
Brush with Egg: Lightly brush the top of each straw with the beaten egg to help them brown beautifully.
Season: Sprinkle a light pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the egg-brushed straws to enhance the savory flavor.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the straws turn crisp and golden.
Cool: Remove from the oven and leave the cheese straws to cool on the baking sheets. They will become crisp and light, holding their shape when picked up.

Notes

You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian hard cheese for a vegetarian option.
For extra spice, add more finely chopped chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
Use cold butter to achieve a flaky texture in the straws.
Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to guarantee uniform baking and crispiness.
Store leftover cheese straws in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Keywords: spicy cheese straws, cheese straws recipe, savory snack, baked cheese sticks, easy appetizer