Light and Crispy Cheese Straws

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add Butter and Egg: Add the softened unsalted butter and the large egg to the bowl. Mix all ingredients together until a dough forms. Ensure that the cheeses and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  4. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a ball. This makes it easier to roll out evenly.
  5. Roll Out the Dough: Place one dough ball between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1/8 inch thick. Repeat with the second dough ball.
  6. Cut the Dough: Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into thin strips, approximately ½ inch wide and 4-5 inches long. These will become your cheese straws.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cheese straw to ensure they bake evenly.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese straws are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning.
  9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cheese straws from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve them warm or at room temperature.

Storage

  • Store the cooled cheese straws in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain crispy and delicious for several days.

Serving Size and Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately 2 cheese straws)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
  • Total Sugars: 0.5g
  • Protein: 6g

Tips for Making Lighter Cheese Straws

  1. Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat versions of cheddar and Parmesan to lower the overall fat content and calories.
  2. Butter: Using unsalted butter keeps the flavor rich without adding extra salt. You can also try using a light butter spread to further reduce fat.
  3. Portion Control: Enjoy these cheese straws in moderation to keep your snack calories in check.

Conclusion

These light and crispy cheese straws are a delightful snack or appetizer option that’s easy to make and full of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the savory flavors and satisfying crunch without worrying about excessive points or calories!