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3-Ingredient Southern Cheese Straws

These classic Southern Cheese Straws are crisp, buttery, cheesy, and wonderfully easy to make. With just three simple ingredients, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, snack trays, or enjoying with a cup of tea.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine: Southern / American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 200 g sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups 180 g self-rising flour

Method
 

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and creamy.
  2. Add the flour: Gradually add the self-rising flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Chill: Wrap the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Shape the cheese straws: Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into thin strips or use a cookie press fitted with a star-shaped disc to create traditional cheese straws.
  6. Arrange: Place the cheese straws on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
  8. Cool: Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Serve: Enjoy at room temperature as a snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts and blends more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Chill the dough if it feels too soft to shape.
  • Watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking, as the cheese straws can brown quickly.
  • Store completely cooled cheese straws in an airtight container for up to 1 week.