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.

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.

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.

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.

Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws Recipe

Name: Easy Southern Chipotle Cheese Straws Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature; 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)

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

Units Scale

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)

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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