These Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws are a perfect blend of sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a hint of chipotle spice that creates an irresistible savory snack. The crispy, flaky texture combined with the rich cheese flavor makes these straws impossible to put down. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying as a special treat with your favorite beverage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Southern Charm in Every Bite: These cheese straws bring that classic Southern hospitality right to your table with their rich, comforting flavor.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant enough for a cocktail party but simple enough to whip up when friends drop by unexpectedly.
- Customizable Heat Level: The chipotle powder adds a gentle warmth that can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake just before guests arrive for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our cheese straws, providing richness and helping create that perfect flaky texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Freshly shredded works best as it melts more smoothly into the dough and provides superior flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for our cheese straws. Sifting it helps achieve a lighter texture.
- Chipotle Powder: Adds that signature smoky heat that elevates these cheese straws from good to unforgettable.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the cheese.
- Salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice that complements the chipotle perfectly.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Flavor Twists
- Extra Spicy: Double the chipotle powder and add a pinch of cayenne for serious heat lovers.
- Herbed Version: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic variation.
- Everything Bagel: Sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
Cheese Options
- Three-Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with Gruyère and Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.
- Blue Cheese Twist: Replace half the cheddar with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy kick.
Shape Alternatives
- Cheese Coins: Roll the dough into a log, chill, and slice into rounds.
- Cheese Crackers: Roll out the dough and cut with small cookie cutters.
How to Make Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and cheddar cheese until extremely light and fluffy – this should take 10-15 minutes. The mixture should resemble whipped cream. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally for even incorporation.
Step 2: Create the Flour Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine half of the sifted flour with the chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-cheese blend, one large spoonful at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once fully incorporated, add the remaining flour little by little until you achieve a consistency that’s pipeable but not wet. You might not need all the flour. The ideal dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Pipe and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with an open star tip. Pipe long straws onto a sheet tray that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden brown and the straws become crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Using an offset spatula, carefully transfer the cheese straws to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Patience with Creaming: The 10-15 minutes of creaming butter and cheese isn’t just a suggestion – it’s essential for developing the right texture. This lengthy beating incorporates air, creating lighter cheese straws.
- Temperature Matters: Both the butter and cheese must be truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t cream properly, affecting your final texture.
- Flour Addition: Add flour gradually and stop when the dough reaches the right consistency, even if you haven’t used all the flour. The exact amount needed can vary based on humidity and cheese moisture.
- Piping Technique: Hold the piping bag about half an inch above the baking sheet and apply steady pressure for uniform straws. Cut the ends with scissors for clean edges.
- Baking Precision: Watch carefully in the last few minutes of baking. The difference between perfectly golden and over-browned can happen quickly.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
These chipotle cheese straws are fantastic served with:
- A glass of bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel
- Craft beer, especially amber ales or IPAs
- Southern sweet tea for a traditional pairing
- Fresh fruit to balance the savory richness
Presentation Ideas
- Stand them upright in a tall glass or jar for an elegant display
- Arrange them on a wooden board with olives and nuts for a sophisticated snack platter
- Use them as edible “stirrers” in a spicy Bloody Mary
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store completely cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
Freezing
The dough freezes beautifully! Shape the dough into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before piping and baking.
Baked cheese straws can also be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Just be careful as they’re fragile.
Reheating
To restore crispness to stored cheese straws, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I make these cheese straws without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer, but you’ll need to beat the butter and cheese for a bit longer to achieve the same light, fluffy texture. The stand mixer makes this easier, but it’s certainly not impossible with a hand mixer and some patience.
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Why did my cheese straws spread too much during baking?
If your cheese straws spread too much, there are a couple of likely culprits. Your butter might have been too warm, or you might need a bit more flour in your dough. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. For the next batch, try chilling the piped straws for 15 minutes before baking.
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Can I make these cheese straws ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You have two great options: prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to pipe and bake, or bake them completely 1-2 days before your event and store in an airtight container. If you choose the latter, you can refresh them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
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How can I tell when my cheese straws are done baking?
The perfect cheese straw should be lightly golden around the edges and feel firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly overbake than underbake – you want them crispy throughout. They’ll continue to crisp up slightly as they cool, but they should already feel dry when you take them out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws are more than just a snack – they’re a little bite of Southern tradition with a spicy twist. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, looking for a unique appetizer, or simply craving a cheesy, crunchy treat, these cheese straws deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a regular in your entertaining repertoire!
Print
Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A delightful Southern snack, these Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws are crispy, cheesy, and seasoned with a subtle smoky heat. A perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or simply to enjoy as a snack, these straws are full of bold flavor. Made with sharp cheddar cheese and a hint of chipotle spice, they’re easy to prepare and sure to be loved by all!
Ingredients
Base
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted and divided
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until light, fluffy, and resembling whipped cream. This process will take about 10–15 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl every few minutes to incorporate all ingredients evenly. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, take half of the sifted flour. Add chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and cheese mixture one spoonful at a time. Continue to scrape down the sides as you mix. - Incorporate Remaining Flour
Slowly add the remaining sifted flour to the mix, a little at a time. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency. It should be soft enough to pipe but not overly sticky or wet. You may not need to use all of the flour. - Pipe and Shape the Straws
Fill a piping bag fitted with an open star tip with the dough. Pipe long straws onto a baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray. If you prefer, you can use a cookie press or roll out the dough, cut, and shape it into crackers. - Bake the Straws
Bake the cheese straws for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack with an offset spatula. Allow them to cool completely before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, serve your cheese straws and enjoy! They make a wonderful snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Notes
- Using freshly shredded cheese will give the best texture and flavor; avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains stabilizers.
- You can double the recipe to make a larger batch for parties or future snacking.
- These can be piped into smaller straws if you prefer bite-sized portions.
- While a stand mixer is ideal for this recipe, a hand mixer can also be used.
- Experiment with other cheese varieties, such as smoked gouda or pepper jack, for unique flavor twists.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
