These southern 4-ingredient cheddar cheese straws are the sort of thing that never lasted long in my mother’s old tin on the counter. She’d bake a batch “just to have on hand,” and by evening there would be nothing but crumbs and a buttery scent in the kitchen. This style of cheese straw has deep roots across the South and rural Midwest—simple pantry ingredients, strong sharp cheese, and a little patience with the dough. They’re crisp, flaky, and dangerously easy to snack on, which is exactly why they were always the first thing to disappear at church potlucks and holiday gatherings.
Pile these cheese straws high on a tray for potlucks, game days, or holidays, and let folks grab them by the handful. They’re perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup or chili, with a small plate of pickles and olives, or set out with cold beer, sweet tea, or a glass of wine before supper. They also tuck nicely next to sliced ham or turkey on a buffet, and if you’re like my family, you’ll find yourself nibbling them straight from the tin every time you walk through the kitchen.
Southern 4-Ingredient Cheddar Cheese Straws
Servings: 24–30 cheese straws
