Derby Day Cheese Straws (Printable View)

Crispy, buttery cheddar and Parmesan straws with a hint of cayenne for a savory bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
02 - 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
03 - 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Pantry

04 - 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 - 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional

08 - 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a food processor, combine cheddar, Parmesan, flour, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pulse to mix thoroughly.
03 - Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - If dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together.
05 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll into rectangle approximately 0.25 inch thick.
06 - Cut into strips approximately 0.5 inch wide and 6 inches long.
07 - Transfer strips to prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
09 - Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They disappear from the plate before anyone realizes how many they've eaten, and somehow that's half the appeal.
  • The cayenne gives you a warm finish that makes people reach for one more without knowing why.
  • You can make them ahead and store them, which means less stress when guests arrive.
02 -
  • Overbaking by even two minutes can turn these from perfectly crispy to hard as a rock, so set a timer and check at 12 minutes the first time you make them.
  • If your dough feels sticky or warm, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before rolling—cold dough behaves so much better and gives you better texture.
03 -
  • If your kitchen is warm, work quickly and consider chilling your food processor bowl beforehand to keep the butter from softening too much.
  • Invest in a good sharp cheddar from a real cheese counter rather than a block from the dairy case—the flavor difference is noticeable and worth it.
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