Cheese straws are a classic southern snack served in the Augusta Masters concession stand during tournament week. This delicious copycat recipe is made with two types of cheddar cheese, real butter, flour, and a few special spices.
These tasty cheese straws are easy to make with this step-by-step guide, complete with pictures for each step.
What Are Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are a beloved Southern snack with a rich history. These delightful treats are typically made from a combination of cheese, butter, flour, and various spices, creating a flavorful, crispy, and savory appetizer. (Every southern grandma has her own secret recipe)
The origins of cheese straws can be traced back to the Southern United States, particularly in states like Georgia and South Carolina, where they have been a traditional part of Southern hospitality for generations. While the exact history of cheese straws is not entirely clear, they are thought to have been influenced by British cheese biscuits and have been a staple in Southern entertaining for over a century.
The Masters Concession Stand Cheese Straws
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!
Price: A serving of Southern Cheese Straws at the Masters costs only $2.00, which is quite reasonable compared to other sporting event concessions.
Taste: Augusta National’s cheese straws offer a flaky, buttery texture with a sharp cheddar flavor. Some report a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, while others say they’re more on the mild side. Overall, it seems like they deliver on the classic Southern cheese straw experience, perfect for grabbing on the go between watching birdies and bogeys.
Tradition: 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.
Get ready to tee up for a Masters Tournament party! I have recipes for Masters Pimento Cheese, Masters Egg Salad, The Masters Peach Ice Cream Sandwich, the famous Green Jacket Salad Recipe, and Augusta National Sour Cream Pound Cake. Don’t forget the Azalea Cocktail too.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 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.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Masters Cheese Straws
- 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.
- Next, add seasonings to the creamed mixture. Beat on low for 30 seconds.
- 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. Keep mixing until you can pick up the dought and form in your hand.
- 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.
Important Serving Tip 🌡️
Allowing the cheese straws to cool before serving is important because it helps them firm up and develop a satisfying crispness. When they are still warm, they can be too soft and fragile, making them prone to breaking. Cooling also allows the flavors to settle and intensify, giving them a more pronounced cheesy taste. Plus, as they cool, the butter sets, resulting in a better texture and overall eating experience.
Variation Ideas
You can experiment with variations to change the flavor of your cheese straws.
- Herbs: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Cheese: Try using different types of cheese. Parmesan, gouda, or any hard cheese would be good.
- Spices: Try mixing in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper or smoked paprika. Red pepper is also common in all southern cheese straws. Just a dash will do unless you like some heat and then add 1/8 teaspoon.
- Nuts: Stir in a 1/4 cup of minced nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor. Some yummy ideas would be pecans, pistachios, or white sesame seeds.
What To Serve With Cheddar Cheese Straws
Southern hosts often serve cheese straws alongside traditional favorites such as pimento cheese, savory pecans, deviled eggs, pickled vegetables, and other classic Southern appetizers. These pairings create a spread of delicious, savory treats that are perfect for entertaining and sharing with guests.
How To Store Leftover Cheese Straws
If you have leftovers from this cheese straw recipe (we usually don’t), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Storing them in a cool, dry place will help maintain their texture and flavor. Refrigeration can cause the cheese straws to become soft and lose their crispiness.
How To Freeze Cheese Straws
It’s a great idea if you are hosting a large party to make these yummy cheese straws a few weeks before your big party. It’s also great to have them in your freezer for late-night snacking. 😅. Here is how to freeze cheese straws:
1. Once the cheese straws are baked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the cheese straws firm up, usually for about 1-2 hours.
3. After they have firmed up, transfer the cheese straws to an airtight container or a freezer bag, placing parchment paper in between the layers to prevent sticking.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
5. When ready to serve, remove the desired amount of cheese straws from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
How do you keep cheese straws crispy?
To keep cheese straws crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration will harden the butter and cause the cheese straws to become crumbly and crispy.
Can you reheat cheese straws to make them crisp again?
Yes, you can reheat cheese straws to make them crisp again. Simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they become crispy again. When you reheat cheese straws, the butter melts and then solidifies again while baking, which helps to restore their crispiness.
Host A Taste Of The Masters Viewing Party
It’s easy to host an iconic Masters Golf Viewing Party! I have created a Masters Party Menu full of famous Masters Golf Recipes to serve your guests, and I share fun golf-themed decoration ideas with you. I even tell you where to get your green jacket for your party outfit.
Do you have a question?
Do you have a question about this recipe❓ I will answer in the comment form below👇🏼 the recipe card. Did you make this recipe? If so, could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy 😋 recipes to make for their family and friends.
How To Make The Famous Masters Southern Cheese Straws
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
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.
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