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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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/390°F) to prepare for baking the cheese straws.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, English mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Cut Strips: Using a ruler for guidance, cut the dough into long strips approximately 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) wide.
  8. Prepare Baking Sheets: Arrange the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart so they don’t stick together.
  9. Brush with Egg: Lightly brush the top of each straw with the beaten egg to help them brown beautifully.
  10. Season: Sprinkle a light pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the egg-brushed straws to enhance the savory flavor.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the straws turn crisp and golden.
  12. 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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/spicy-cheese-straws-recipe/