Cheese straws are a beloved Southern snack known for their crisp, buttery texture and bold cheddar flavor. Whether you’re hosting a Masters Tournament viewing party or simply craving a classic Southern appetizer, this Masters Golf Tournament copycat cheese straws recipe is the perfect addition to any gathering.
These tasty cheese straws are easy to make with this step-by-step guide, complete with pictures for each step.
Why You’ll Want to Make Masters Copycat Cheese Straws Recipe
The Augusta National Golf Club introduced cheese straws to their concession stands in 2023, much to the delight of golf fans and snack enthusiasts alike. In true genius fashion, Augusta National knows adding Southern Classic Cheddar Cheese Straws would be a hit with patrons. Who knows, they might even become as iconic as the pimento cheese sandwich or egg salad sandwich one day!
Cheese straws are a beloved Southern staple, particularly in Georgia. Adding them aligns with the Masters’ commitment to showcasing regional cuisine and creating an authentic Augusta experience. To explore more about the iconic foods that have become synonymous with the tournament, delve into the History of Masters Golf Tournament Concession Stand Food.
Tips Before You Get Started
Here are some quick and easy tips to ensure your cheese straws turn out perfectly every time:
Use high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
Chill the dough before baking to help the straws maintain their shape.
To make this an authentic copycat recipe, be sure to roll the dough into small oval-shaped balls, flatten them, and then press with a fork to imprint like the Masters’ cheese straws.
Ingredients You Will Need for This Easy Cheese Straws Recipe
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cheese: The Masters’ ingredients on their package list has sharp cheddar cheese and extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter: Only good quality butter will do for cheesestraws. Also, as a tip, remember to let the butter soften to room temperature before you make the recipe.
- Dry mustard: Note this is dry mustard powder, not the yellow squirt kind.
- Spices: Regular paprika, not smoked, cayenne, and kosher salt or regular salt.
- Flour: Be sure to use all-purpose flour.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Cheese Straws: Add extra cayenne or a pinch of spicy smoked paprika.
- Herbed Cheese Straws: Mix in dried rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheddar, parmesan or spicy pepper jack cheese for added depth
How to Make This Masters Copycat Cheese Straws Recipe
This simple step-by-step guide will help you create perfectly crispy cheese straws every time.
Combine Cheeses and Seasonings
Combine freshly grated cheddar cheese, softened butter, and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
Add In Flour
Add 1 cup of the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Beat on medium speed until the ingredients are fully combined, about 1 minute. Add the next cup of flour and repeat. Add the final cup of flour. Mix on medium speed for 4 minutes.
Shape The Dough
It will take some time to form a dough ball. Keep mixing until you can pick up the dough and form it in your hand.
Using a teaspoon to measure, scoop the dough. Roll the dough in your hands to form a ball. Then, roll it into a log shape. Hold the log-shaped dough in the palm of your hand and gently pat it with your finger to flatten it slightly.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Important Serving Tip 🌡️
Allowing the cheese straws to cool before serving is important because it helps them firm up and develop a satisfying crispness. They can be too soft and fragile when they are still warm, making them prone to breaking. Cooling also allows the flavors to settle and intensify, giving them a more pronounced cheesy taste. Plus, the butter sets as they cool, resulting in a better texture and overall eating experience.
Hospitality Tips
Make-Ahead: Dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough in a log shape, then slice and bake as needed.
Cheese straws do not need to be refrigerated but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend freshness.
Easily Adjust Servings: You can quickly double or triple the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping the 2X or 3X button. The ingredient measurements will automatically adjust for you!
Masters Party Food Menu
Get ready for the 2025 Masters Tournament with these authentic tasting copycat recipes inspired by the historic Augusta National’s Masters golf tournament. Create a full Masters Party Food Menu with these make-at-home recipes.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Masters Golf Tournament Copycat Cheese Straws Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened – only use real butter
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, If you like a litte heat, add 1 tespoon.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, place cheeses and butter in the bowl. Beat the shredded cheeses and softened butter.2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups butter
- Next, add seasonings to the creamed mixture. Beat on low for 30 seconds.1 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Add 1 cup of the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Beat on medium speed until the ingredients are fully combined, about 1 minute. Add the next cup of flour and repeat. Add the final cup of flour. Mix on medium speed for 4 minutes. It will take some time to form a dough ball that you can pick up and form in your hand.3 cups all-purpose flour
- Using a teaspoon for measuring, scoop the dough. Roll the dough in your hands to form a ball. Then roll it into a log shape. Holding the log shaped dough in the palm of your hand, gently pat it with your finger to slightly flatten.
- Lay the shaped dough on the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Using the back of the fork, gently press the cheese straw dough to get an impression of the fork.
- After filling the pan, place it into the preheated oven. Bake the cheese straws for about 12 minutes or until they lose the shine on the surface. Do not brown them.
- Once baked, remove the cheese straws from the oven. Allow them to set on the pan for 2 minutes to cool slightly. Then transfer them to wire racks to finish cooling.