Parmesan Cheese Straws Or Wafers
Delicious Parmesan cheese straws or wafers offer a savory, cheesy snack with a hint of red pepper, perfect for parties or as a tasty appetizer for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the knife blade in the food processor bowl.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and softened butter to the food processor.
- Process until blended.
- Add the flour, salt, and ground red pepper; process about 30 seconds or until the mixture forms a ball.
- Stop often to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Use a cookie press for cheese straws or roll the dough into 36 (3/4-inch) balls.
- Flatten each ball with a pecan half, if desired.
- Brush the formed wafers or straws with milk.
- Bake at 350°F for 7 minutes for straws or 10 minutes for rounds, or until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the ground red pepper to suit your taste. If you don't have a food processor, you can achieve similar results by using a mixing bowl and a pastry cutter. For a variation, try adding different cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Ensure your butter is softened to mix easily with the Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan cheese straws are perfect as an appetizer or snack and pair beautifully with Egg Nog Dip. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a charcuterie board for an elegant touch. They can also be enjoyed with soups or as a crunchy topping for baked dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cheese straws or wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Cheese Straws Or Wafers contains roughly 46 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, consider using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or a combination of nutritional yeast and a hard cheese for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add herbs to the cheese straws?
Absolutely! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can enhance the flavor of your cheese straws. Just add about a tablespoon of your chosen herb to the flour mixture for a delicious twist.
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).