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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a ball. This makes it easier to roll out evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat versions of cheddar and Parmesan to lower the overall fat content and calories.
- 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.
- 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!
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