The Ultimate 4-Ingredient Southern Cheese Straws (Christmas Gift Recipes!)
Imagine the most addictive, savory snack imaginable: a crisp, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth straw, absolutely packed with sharp, cheesy flavor and a subtle, surprising kick of spice. That, my friends, is the timeless, irresistible magic of classic Southern Cheese Straws. This is, without a doubt, the most requested, most gift-able, and most delicious savory treat you will…
Imagine the most addictive, savory snack imaginable: a crisp, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth straw, absolutely packed with sharp, cheesy flavor and a subtle, surprising kick of spice. That, my friends, is the timeless, irresistible magic of classic Southern Cheese Straws. This is, without a doubt, the most requested, most gift-able, and most delicious savory treat you will make this holiday season.
I promise you, there is no greater holiday pleasure than a warm, fresh-from-the-oven cheese straw. They are the perfect nibble to serve with drinks, a standout addition to any charcuterie board, and, when packed into a festive tin, the most wonderful and welcome homemade gift you can give. Be warned: they are dangerously addictive!
Get ready to master a true Southern classic, a recipe so easy and delicious, it’s destined to become a non-negotiable part of your family’s holiday traditions.
Why These are the Perfect Christmas Gift Recipe
You are going to be completely amazed by how much flavor comes from just four simple ingredients. This recipe is a true holiday lifesaver. Here’s why:
- Just 4 Simple Ingredients: This recipe is the definition of simplicity! All you need is butter, cheese spread, flour, and a pinch of cayenne to create this incredibly savory treat.
- The Ultimate Buttery, Cheesy Crunch: The texture is absolutely perfect—light, crisp, and so buttery they practically melt in your mouth, with a huge punch of cheesy flavor.
- A Fantastic & Unique Edible Gift: Move over, sweet cookies! A festive tin or bag filled with these savory, addictive cheese straws is a unique and incredibly welcome homemade gift.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Chill Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 14 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Servings | 4 dozen (48 straws) |
| Calories | 75 kcal per straw (estimated) |
| Course | Appetizer, Snack |
| Cuisine | American, Southern |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Baking |
Your 4-Ingredient Shopping List
This classic Southern snack comes together with just a handful of powerhouse ingredients.
→ For the Southern Cheese Straws
- 1 cup salted butter → Must be properly softened to room temperature to create a smooth, pipeable dough.
- 2 (5-ounce) jars Old English cheese spread → This is the classic, sharp, and tangy secret to authentic Southern cheese straws!
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour → Spooned and leveled for the perfect texture.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper → For that signature, subtle warmth in the background. You can add more if you like a bigger kick!
Let’s Get Pressing! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create the most addictive savory snack of the holidays? Let’s get started.
Part 1: The Simple, Cheesy Dough
- Cream the Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened salted butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the two jars of cheese spread and beat again until everything is completely blended and smooth.
- Combine the Dough: Add the flour and cayenne pepper to the bowl. Stir on low speed (or with a sturdy spatula) just until the dough is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be very careful not to over-mix!
Part 2: Press, Chill, and Bake
- Press the Straws: Spoon the soft dough into a cookie press fitted with a ribbon or star-burst disk. Pipe 3-inch long strings of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Chill to Firm: Place the baking sheets with the piped cheese straws into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step!
- Preheat and Bake: While the straws are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the chilled cheese straws for about 14 minutes, or until they are firm and a lovely light golden brown on the edges.
- Cool Completely: Let the cheese straws cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. They will get crispier as they cool.
4-Ingredient Southern Cheese Straws
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the cheese spread and beat until fully blended.
- Add the flour and cayenne pepper. Stir on low speed or with a spatula just until the dough is combined. Do not over-mix.
- Spoon the soft dough into a cookie press fitted with a ribbon or star disk. Pipe 3-inch long strings onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Refrigerate the piped cheese straws for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the chilled cheese straws for 14 minutes or until firm and lightly browned on the edges.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Cheese Straws
These simple secrets are the key to achieving that classic, crisp, and buttery texture.
- Softened Butter is a MUST. Your butter (and cheese spread) must be fully at room temperature. This is essential for creating a smooth, homogenous dough that will easily pass through the cookie press.
- Do Not Over-Mix the Flour. This is the most important rule! Once you add the flour, mix only until it is just barely combined. Over-mixing will develop the gluten and result in tough, hard cheese straws instead of light and crispy ones.
- Chilling is a Non-Negotiable Step. Chilling the piped straws before baking is crucial. It solidifies the butter and cheese, which prevents the straws from spreading out into flat puddles in the oven and helps them hold their beautiful, ridged shape.
- The Right Tool for the Job. A cookie press is the classic and easiest way to make uniform, professional-looking cheese straws. The star or ribbon disks are perfect for that signature ridged texture.
- Watch Them Carefully in the Oven. These are delicate! They can go from perfectly golden to overly browned very quickly. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.
Keep Them Fresh! Storing Your Savory Gift
Cheese straws have an excellent shelf life, making them the perfect make-ahead holiday gift.
- Storage: Once the cheese straws are completely cool, they can be stored in an airtight container or a festive tin at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to a week, making them ideal for holiday planning and gifting!
FAQs: Your Southern Cheese Straw Questions, Answered!
Can I make these without a cookie press?
Yes, you can, though the shape will be different. You can chill the dough for about an hour until it’s firm, then roll it out and cut it into thin strips with a knife or pizza cutter. You can also roll the dough into a log, chill it, and then slice and bake it like an icebox cookie.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
The Old English cheese spread is classic for its sharp, tangy flavor and smooth consistency. If you can’t find it, you could substitute it with another sharp cheddar cheese spread. Using shredded cheddar will significantly change the dough’s texture and may require adjustments.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and store it, well-wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may need to let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften just enough to be able to load it into the cookie press.
Can I freeze cheese straws?
Yes! You can freeze either the unbaked, piped straws or the finished, baked straws. To freeze unbaked, place the baking sheet in the freezer until the straws are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked straws can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts: A Taste of Southern Holiday Charm
There is nothing more special than a homemade gift that is made from a treasured, traditional recipe. These Southern Cheese Straws are the epitome of savory holiday perfection—simple to make, incredibly delicious, and a welcome sight at any gathering. They are a little taste of Southern hospitality that is perfect for sharing. I hope they become a beloved part of your Christmas traditions. Happy Holidays!
