Buttery cheese straws with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of cayenne, baked to golden crisp.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dairy
01 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
02 - 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
03 - 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Pantry
04 - 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 - 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional
08 - 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water, as needed
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a food processor, combine cheddar, Parmesan, flour, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until evenly mixed.
03 - Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
04 - If dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together.
05 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle approximately 0.25 inch thick.
06 - Cut dough into strips 0.5 inch wide and 6 inches long using a pastry cutter or chef's knife.
07 - Transfer strips to prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
09 - Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack until completely cooled.
