Are you craving a delicious, easy appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress? Look no further! These Pioneer Woman Cheese Straws are the perfect solution. Crispy, buttery, and bursting with cheesy flavor, these little treats are unbelievably simple to make and disappear just as quickly. Whether you're hosting a party, need a quick snack, or simply want a tasty treat for yourself, this recipe is a winner. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cheese straws, inspired by Ree Drummond's own kitchen magic!
Ingredients: You'll need these simple ingredients for the best cheese straws!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup ice water (or more, as needed)
Instructions: Let's get baking!
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. This ensures even seasoning throughout your cheese straws.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Working quickly prevents the butter from melting and resulting in tough straws.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Make sure it's evenly distributed.
Step 4: Incorporate the Water
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is okay.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1/4-inch wide strips. You can get creative with the shapes!
Place the straws on an ungreased baking sheet. For extra crispiness, you can slightly curve the straws before baking.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cheese straws from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to crisp up further.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Straws
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for achieving flaky cheese straws.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough straws.
- Roll the dough thinly: Thinly rolled dough ensures crispy cheese straws.
- Keep an eye on the baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cheese straws to prevent burning.
Variations: Spice things up!
- Add herbs: Experiment with adding dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use different cheeses: Try using a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyère, Asiago, or Gouda.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. However, a rough estimate per straw is around 50-70 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat.
These Pioneer Woman-inspired cheese straws are a simple yet impressive addition to any gathering. Their delicate flavor and satisfying crunch will leave you wanting more! They’re a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, making them an ideal addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!