Betty'S Cheshire Cheese Straws
Crispy cheese straws with a savory, toasted sesame flavor, perfect as a snack or appetizer for cheese lovers and entertaining occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour and salt into a bowl.
- Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the mixture has a pebbly texture.
- Stir in grated cheese and toasted sesame seed.
- Mix Worcestershire sauce with 1 tablespoon of cold water; sprinkle the liquid over the flour mixture and toss gently.
- Add additional water gradually until the mixture clings together and forms a ball.
- Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 6 to 8-inch strips.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, try using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Parmesan. If you don't have sesame seeds, consider using poppy seeds or even finely chopped herbs for a different twist. Make sure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky texture. If the dough is too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time until it comes together.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese straws make a fantastic appetizer or snack, and they pair beautifully with a variety of dips like homemade garlic aioli or a spicy salsa. Serve them alongside a bowl of Ox Tail Soup for a comforting meal, or enjoy them as a party snack with drinks. They are also great for picnics or as part of a cheese platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigerating them. If they become soft, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S Cheshire Cheese Straws contains roughly 480 calories, with 15g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1963mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice for cheese straws due to its strong flavor. However, you can also experiment with other hard cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for a different taste. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the flavor.
Can I freeze the cheese straws?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked cheese straws. Simply cut them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).