Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Cheese Straws are a deliciously crispy and flavorful snack that’s perfect for parties or a savory treat anytime. Made with sharp cheese and a hint of red chilli, they offer just the right kick to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 200 g plain white flour (all purpose flour)
• ¼ tsp English mustard powder
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 125 g salted butter
• 75 g Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese alternative
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 medium free range egg, beaten
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 390°F).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, mustard powder, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs. You can also pulse it in a food processor until combined; the mixture should look slightly yellow.
4. Step 4: Stir in the finely grated cheese and chopped red chilli using a fork.
5. Step 5: Add the milk and use a knife to cut through the mixture until it starts to clump together.
6. Step 6: Knead gently by hand until the dough comes together smoothly.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough into a 28cm (11 inch) square about 3-4mm (1/8 inch) thick and trim the edges to even it out.
8. Step 8: Cut the dough into long strips approximately 1.5cm (1/2 inch) wide, using a ruler for precision if desired.
9. Step 9: Place the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets, leaving space between each straw.
10. Step 10: Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the straws.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until the straws are crisp and golden.
13. Step 13: Allow to cool on the baking tray. Once cool, they should be crisp and firm enough to hold their shape when picked up.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the red chilli for smoked paprika or cayenne if you want a different kind of heat and flavor.
• For a milder version, reduce the amount of chilli or omit it entirely.
• Use a vegetarian hard cheese alternative to keep the recipe suitable for vegetarians.
• Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to develop deeper flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh their crispness, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 3-5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these cheese straws?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough strips arranged on baking sheets. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with spicy cheese straws?

They make a great accompaniment to soups, salads, or cheese boards. They are also perfect as a standalone snack with a cold drink.

Spicy Cheese Straws Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

These Spicy Cheese Straws are a savory, crispy snack combining sharp cheddar or vegetarian hard cheese with a hint of heat from fresh red chili. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden finish, they make an excellent appetizer or party treat.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cheese straws 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 200 g plain white flour (all purpose flour)
• ¼ tsp English mustard powder
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch salt and black pepper

Wet and Dairy Ingredients

• 125 g salted butter, cold and cubed
• 75 g Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese alternative (or vegetarian hard cheese), finely grated
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 medium free range egg, beaten

Other Ingredients

• 1 red chilli, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/390°F) to warm up while preparing the dough, ensuring a hot environment for crisp baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, English mustard powder, and freshly ground black pepper to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed salted butter to the flour mixture and rub it together with your fingers until the texture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, pulse briefly in a food processor to achieve the same crumbly consistency, indicated by the flour turning slightly yellow.
4. Mix Cheese and Chili: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese along with the finely chopped red chili to the crumb mixture using a fork, integrating the flavors evenly.
5. Add Milk and Form Dough: Pour in the whole milk and use a knife to cut through the mixture until it begins to clump together. Then, gently knead the dough just until it comes together, avoiding overworking.
6. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into an approximately 28 cm (11 inch) square, aiming for a 3-4 mm (1/8 inch) thickness. Trim the edges to form a neat square.
7. Cut Strips: Using a ruler for precision, cut the dough into long strips about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) wide.
8. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the strips on one or two nonstick baking sheets, spacing them slightly to prevent sticking.
9. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the strips with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish and help browning.
10. Season: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the strips to enhance their flavor.
11. Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese straws are crisp and golden.
12. Cool: Allow the cheese straws to cool on the baking trays. Once cooled, they should be light, crisp, and sturdy enough to hold their shape when held at one end.

Notes

• Use cold butter to ensure a flaky texture in the pastry.
• Adjust the amount of chili for desired spice level.
• Vegetarian hard cheese alternatives can be used for a vegetarian option.
• Store cheese straws in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• These cheese straws are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly to restore crispness.

Keywords: spicy cheese straws, cheese snacks, baked cheese straws, party appetizers, vegetarian cheese straws, spicy pastry snacks