Masters cheese straws are one of the newest concession stand favorites at Augusta National, and now you can make them at home. These buttery cheddar crackers are crisp, savory, and packed with bold cheese flavor.
Unlike traditional piped cheese straws, this copycat version is shaped into small fork-pressed bites just like the ones sold during the Masters Tournament. They come together with simple pantry ingredients and bake in about 12 minutes, making them perfect for a Masters tournament watch party or any Southern-style gathering.
Why Masters Cheese Straws Became a Tournament Favorite
In 2023, Augusta National added cheese straws to its famous concession stand menu. The snack quickly became a fan favorite because it highlights a classic Southern appetizer made with bold cheddar flavor.
Cheese straws are a longtime staple across the South, especially in Georgia where buttery cheddar crackers are often served at parties and holiday gatherings. Adding them to the Masters menu was a natural fit for the tournament’s tradition of showcasing regional favorites.
These Masters cheese straws are slightly different from traditional piped versions. Instead of being piped into long sticks, the dough is rolled into small pieces and pressed with a fork before baking. The result is a crisp, bite-sized cracker perfect for snacking while watching the tournament.
If you enjoy learning about the iconic foods served at Augusta, you can explore more in the History of Masters Golf Tournament Concession Stand Food.
Ingredients for Masters Southern Cheese Straws
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 have sharp cheddar cheese and extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter: Only real 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: Paprika, cayenne, and salt add subtle heat and depth.
- Flour: All purpose flour binds the dough and creates the crisp texture.
How To Make Masters Cheese Straws
This simple step-by-step guide will help you create perfectly crispy cheese straws every time.
Combine Cheeses and Seasonings
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the shredded cheeses and softened butter to the bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Next, sprinkle in the dry mustard, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Add In Flour
Now begin adding the flour one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition before adding the next. Once all the flour is incorporated, continue mixing on medium speed for a few minutes until the dough comes together. It may take a little patience, but soon you will have a soft dough that you can easily pick up and shape.
Shape The Dough
This simple dough is very similar to the cheddar crackers served at Augusta National during the Masters Tournament, which are shaped into small bites instead of the long piped cheese straws you often see in the South.
Using a teaspoon, scoop small portions of dough and roll them between your hands to form a ball. Then roll the ball into a short log shape. Place the dough in the palm of your hand and gently press it with your finger to flatten slightly.
Set the shaped dough pieces onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the back of a fork, gently press the top to create the classic fork pattern.
Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands while shaping, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm it up.
Bake the cheese straws for about 12 minutes, just until they lose their shiny surface. You do not want them to brown.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheese straws rest on the pan for about 2 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will firm up and develop that crisp texture that makes them so irresistible.
Host A Masters Watch Party
Turn watching the Masters into a fun afternoon with friends by serving a few classic Augusta inspired snacks like these cheese straws. For simple food ideas, party tips, and everything you need to host, see my Masters Party Ideas Guide and Master Party Food Menu.
Common Questions About Masters Cheese Straws
Are Masters cheese straws the same as traditional cheese straws?
No. Traditional cheese straws are usually piped into long sticks. The Masters version is rolled into small pieces and pressed with a fork before baking. The flavor, however, is the same traditional Southern cheese straw popular in the South.
Can you make cheese straws ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be mixed and refrigerated for up to three days before shaping and baking. You can also bake your cheese straws ahead and then once they are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. This makes them perfect for preparing ahead if you are hosting a Masters watch party or gathering.
Why didn’t my cheese straws get crispy?
They may need slightly more baking time or additional cooling time for the butter to firm up.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help! If you enjoy making this recipe, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. Also, snap a photo and tag @intentionalhospitality on Instagram.💛 I love seeing your creations!
Masters Cheese Straws
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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.
