Let’s get ready for this week’s bake – Cheesestraws
“Before the Bake” Series
Cheesestraws
Equipment
- mixing bowl For combining all your ingredients. Medium or large works best.
- Spatula or Spoon To help mix the dough without overworking it.
- Sifter (Optional) To sift the flour for a lighter texture, especially if your flour is compact.
- grater For finely grating your cheddar cheese (this step really matters for texture!).
- baking sheet Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag Use with a star tip or simply snip the corner to pipe your cheesestraws into fun shapes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese room temperature
Recommended brands: Anchor Vegetarian Cheddar, Cabot White Cheddar, or Cracker Barrel White Cheddar
- 1 cup all purpose flour will use about 3/4 cups
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter ,cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- A pinch of salt (only if cheese is mild)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 tsp grated onions
- A pinch of hot pepper or paprika for heat and color
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the grated cheese until soft and slightly paste-like.
- Add cold butter and mustard (and any optional ingredients). Mix by hand with a spatula or fork until the mixture is combined but not airy.
- Avoid electric mixers — they add too much air and can make the texture cakey.
- Add flour gradually, mixing until the dough is smooth, flexible, and spreadable — but still firm enough to hold its shape.
- You may not need the full 1 cup. Start with ¾ cup and adjust as needed.
- Scoop the dough into a piping bag with a star tip (or use a ziplock with the corner snipped).
- Pipe into straws, small logs, or decorative swirls on your baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bottom edges are just turning golden brown.
- For crispier straws, bake closer to 18–20 minutes.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes. Enjoy warm or at room temp.
Notes
“Watch the full step-by-step video here”
The Caribbean Party Essential You’ll Never Take Just One Of…
Flaky, cheesy, and crowd-approved—these Caribbean cheesestraws never last long.
These pastries are a Caribbean party must-have.
Birthday parties, harvest, tea time—you name it, cheesestraws are there. They show up early, disappear fast, and bring all the joy of a good party in one buttery, cheesy bite.
Just like cheesepaste sandwiches, they’re magnetic. There’s no such thing as taking just one. It’s always a plate in hand, ready for a few (or a few more… lol).
Growing up, my mom never ordered less than two trays for birthday parties. Somehow, they were gone before the cake was even cut. (Okay fine—maybe I had a stash tucked away for myself. I know I’m not the only one.)
What makes them so addictive?
That crisp, snappy texture with just the right amount of melt-in-your-mouth softness… and that sharp, cheesy flavor. Everyone has their own twist—some add onions, others like a little heat—but one thing stays the same: they never last long.
If you read my cheesepaste sandwich post, you’ll remember how my grandmother would grab a few for me to take home. Cheesestraws were always right there beside them. It was part of the party experience—flavor, tradition, and comfort all wrapped in one.
This was actually my first time baking them myself, and I’m so excited to share the recipe with you. I hope it brings a little slice of the Caribbean into your home—and maybe a few extra to sneak for later.
When to Serve Cheesestraws
They’re not just for parties! Here’s when I love to enjoy them:
- Tea parties or afternoon snacks – buttery crunch meets warm tea
- Brunch spreads – a savory balance to fruit, eggs, or pastries
- Light hand-snack while cooking or hosting
- Lunchbox treat – for kids and grownups (we need joy too)
Small, shareable, and surprisingly satisfying.
Let me know how your bake turns out, and if you made a stash for yourself… your secret’s safe with me.
Have questions? Send me a message—I’m always happy to help.
Tag me @thesweetlifewithchrissy — I’d love to see your cheesestraw moments.
