Description
These Homemade Spicy Cheese Straws are a flavorful, crispy snack featuring sharp cheddar, a blend of smoky and spicy seasonings, and a hint of fresh jalapeño. Baked to perfection and served with a zesty smoked paprika aioli, they make an irresistible appetizer or party treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheese Straws
- 4 ounces butter, softened
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground Aleppo peppers or chile flakes
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
Smoked Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chile flakes
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cheese straws.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and cheese: Using a hand-held or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and grated sharp cheddar until smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, Aleppo pepper or chile flakes, and smoked paprika to the butter-cheese mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Fold in the diced, seeded jalapeños evenly.
- Form dough: Turn the dough out onto a parchment paper-lined counter and use your hands to work it gently until it holds together in a cohesive ball.
- Roll dough: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ½-inch thickness to create an even layer for cutting.
- Cut strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into ¼-inch-wide strips about 4 to 5 inches long.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the strips spaced apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow them to crisp up evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crisp.
- Make smoked aioli: While the cheese straws bake, whisk together mayonnaise, dried minced garlic, smoked paprika, chile flakes, oregano, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Remove the cheese straws from the oven and serve warm alongside the smoked aioli for dipping. Enjoy these spicy, savory snacks fresh from the oven.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in before dicing.
- Cheese straws can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispness.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if unavailable, but the smoky flavor is key to the recipe.
- If you prefer a milder dip, reduce or omit the chile flakes in the aioli.
- Ensure the jalapeños are well-seeded to avoid excessive heat if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American