Trisha Yearwood's Cheese Straws Recipe

Satisfy your cheese craving with this easy appetizer — made by singer Trisha Yearwood — that's perfect for holiday entertaining.
Plate of Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws For Cold-Weather Entertaining

No fall or winter party is complete without the classic cheese straw. A savory combination of butter and cheese gets an added kick from cayenne pepper, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or hearty snack.

Ingredients

3 (10--ounce) bricks sharp cheddar cheese, at room temperature
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
4 cups all--purpose flour, sifted
2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
dash garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Put the softened cheese and butter in the bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer. Using the heaviest mixer attachment, beat the cheese and butter until the mixture has the consistency of whipped cream, about 30 minutes.
3. On a sheet of waxed paper, sift three cups of the flour with the salt, black pepper, cayenne and garlic powder. Gradually add the seasoned flour to the cheese mixture by large spoonfuls, beating well after each addition. Add the unseasoned flour until the dough is somewhat stiff but still soft enough to be pushed through a cookie press; you may not need to add all of the flour.
4. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Put a portion of the dough into a cookie press fitted with the star tube and press the dough onto the cookie sheet in long strips that run the length of the pan. Note: If you don't have a cookie press, form the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten them with a fork.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. The cheese straws should be golden brown and crisp. With a sharp knife, cut the long strips into 3-inch lengths. Use a flat, thin spatula or egg turner to remove the cheese straws from the pan. Allow them to cool on a wire rack. When they are completely cool, store in a tightly covered container.

Yield: 4 dozen

From: Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen: Recipes from My Family to Yours by Trisha Yearwood

Next Up

Trisha Yearwood's Iced Sugar Cookies Recipe

This holiday cookie classic is from singer Trisha Yearwood's collection of home-cooking recipes.

Reindeer Bubbles Cocktail Recipe

This colorful and fizzy champagne drink will delight all your holiday guests.

Jewel's Cherry Pie Recipe

For a simple dessert to serve this season, try this cherry pie and share a tradition with a singing star.

4 Ways to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

From savory meat and cheese boards, to vegetarian-friendly fruits and veggies, to a dessert tray full of sweet-tooth delights, we’ve got charcuterie smorgasbord ideas that will satisfy all your guests.

How to Make a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Serve a spread that has all the things you’d expect on a classic charcuterie board, but give it a seasonal flair to win the holiday.

How to Create a Platter of Classic Finger Food Appetizers

Make entertaining easy by serving a sampler board of classic, easy-to-assemble savory bites such as spicy wings, sweet-and-sour meatballs, loaded potato skins and more.

How to Make a Vegetarian-Friendly Cheese + Crudite Tray

This abundant cheese, fruit and veggie charcuterie board is perfect for potlucks, holidays, tailgates or any occasion you can think of.

How to Make a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board

Whether hosting a dinner party, game night or looking for a special treat for the kids, you can’t go wrong with a big pot of hot cocoa served up with all the fixings, including candy, cookies and mounds of marshmallows.

How to Make a Movie Night Snack Board

Whether you’re having a quiet family movie night or hosting a movie awards show, take your snacking to the next level with this charcuterie-style board full of everyone’s favorite theater treats.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.