These southern 4-ingredient cheese straws are the kind of snack you promise to just taste once and then somehow end up eating the entire tin while standing at the kitchen counter. They’re sharp, salty, buttery, and completely addictive—exactly the kind of thing a generous neighbor might drop off still warm from the oven.
This version sticks to the old-school Southern formula: lots of sharp cheddar, real butter, a little flour, and a kick of cayenne. No fancy equipment or extra ingredients, just a simple dough you can mix, pipe, or roll and cut. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or honestly just a Tuesday night when you want something homemade and snacky without a big production.
Plate of homemade cheese straws on a kitchen counter
Plate of homemade cheese straws on a kitchen counter
Serve these cheese straws piled on a white plate or in a tin alongside cocktails, sweet tea, or a glass of chilled white wine. They’re great on a snack board with nuts, olives, and sliced apples or grapes, and they make an easy nibble before a holiday dinner.
I also love tucking a few into lunchboxes or serving them with tomato soup or chili instead of crackers. If you’re hosting, bake them earlier in the day and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature; just set them out right before guests arrive so they stay crisp.
Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Straws
Servings: 24–30 cheese straws
Ingredients
2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, firmly packed
1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
Cheese straw ingredients arranged in mixing bowls
Cheese straw ingredients arranged in mixing bowls
Directions
