Cheese pastries

Cheese Straws - An Irresistible Snack for Any Time of Day

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20-25 cheese straws

Cheese straws are a traditional snack with a crispy texture and an intense cheese flavor, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a glass of cold milk or even as an appetizer at a party. These treats are not only easy to make but also extremely versatile, allowing for customization with various spices and flavors. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Ingredients needed:

- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g grated cheese (preferably sheep cheese, but you can also use telemea or feta for a different flavor)
- 125 g butter (at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 2 eggs (one for the dough and one for brushing)
- 2-3 tablespoons sesame seeds (you can also add cumin for a more aromatic taste)

Ingredient details:

- Flour: Make sure to use high-quality flour, which will give elasticity to the dough. Type 000 or 550 flour is ideal for this recipe.
- Cheese: Sheep cheese adds a distinctive flavor, but feel free to experiment with smoked or spiced cheeses.
- Butter: Using butter provides a rich taste and a tender texture to the straws. You can also use margarine, but the result will be different.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients, and one of them will be used to brush the straws, giving them a golden color and an appetizing shine.

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and grated cheese. Mix well to distribute evenly. Add the cubed butter and start kneading with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

2. Adding the eggs: Beat one egg and add it to the flour and cheese mixture. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but avoid overdoing it, as you want to keep the tender texture.

3. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This step is crucial as it allows the butter to harden, making the straws crispier.

4. Shaping the straws: Once the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick. Use a knife or cutter to cut out shapes according to your preferences (square pieces, triangles, or fun shapes for kids).

5. Preparing for baking: Place the straws on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the second egg and brush each straw with a brush for a shiny finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the straws for 15-20 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on your oven.

Serving and suggestions:

Cheese straws are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed cold, making them an excellent choice for picnics or quick snacks. You can serve them alongside a yogurt dip with spices or even with a snack of fresh vegetables.

Variations and tips:

- Flavors: You can add herbs such as dill, oregano, or rosemary to the dough for an extra note.
- Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese or melted cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Spices: Add a little ground pepper or sweet paprika to enhance the flavor of the straws.

Nutritional benefits:

These straws are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the butter provides a healthy amount of essential fats. It's important to consume them in moderation, especially if you're mindful of caloric intake. A serving of cheese straws contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the butter? Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture will be different.
2. Can I use vegan cheese? Yes, vegan cheese can be a good alternative, but make sure it has a texture similar to traditional cheese.
3. How can I keep the straws fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, but to keep them crispy, you can keep them in the fridge.

I hope this cheese straws recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and delicious moments with your loved ones! Enjoy!