After finding an old scrapbook from my primary school baking class (shout out to Mrs Jemmett!), I decided to work on converting a classic cheese straws recipe to gluten free. And the result is incredibly munchable gluten free cheese straws!
They only take 30 minutes to make and bake and the dough would be fine being made ahead and stored in the fridge (simply wrap well in cling film to avoid it drying out).
They are perfect as a side dish with soups or party buffet addition. Especially delicious when still slightly warm from the oven.
Can I Make These Lactose Free?
I have not tried and tested them but feel very confident that they would work with lactose free butter and cheese (or use very mature cheddar as my lactose free mum tells me aged cheeses are naturally lactose free or very low in lactose).
You can either freeze the lactose free butter before grating, or simply break into small chunks and then rub into the mixture. I find it tends to be softer than dairy butter so is difficult to grate.
Which Flour Do You Use?
I use a widely available UK flour FREEE by Doves Farm Self Raising Flour. You can find it in pretty much every UK supermarket, in the free from section.
If you only have plain flour available where you live (or have simply run out of self raising), add an extra tsp baking powder and a quarter tsp xanthan gum (unless your blend already contains it).
Gluten Free Cheese Straws Recipe
Let’s get to the recipe, which you’ll find below along with a couple of method photos to guide you along the way. The recipe will make 10 gluten free cheese straws, so simply double or halve the recipe if you want to make more or less.
If you have questions, please do message me on social media (@myglutenfreeguide) or email me at [email protected]. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
If you enjoy these gluten free cheese straws please do leave a review on the recipe card below. It makes a world of difference to me :). You might also like to check out my cookbook for lots more delicious gluten free baking recipes.
Laura x
Gluten Free Cheese Straws (30 Minute Recipe)
Classic cheese straws with a gluten free twist. Wonderfully munchable and delicious as a buffet addition, savoury snack or soup side dish.
Ingredients
- 120g gluten free self raising flour (I used FREEE by Doves Farm)
- Pinch fine salt
- Pinch smoked paprika (optional)
- 70g grated mature cheddar
- 50g unsalted butter, chilled
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200C (fan).
- Add the flour, salt and smoked paprika to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Use a cheese grater to grate the chilled butter into the bowl. Then rub the strands of butter into the flour until you have a flakey, rough breadcrumbs consistency.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and stir to combine, before working with your hands until the dough comes together.
- Add the grated cheese, break the dough into chunks, and toss together. Then knead for a minute or so with your hands until you have firm dough - dust with a little flour if sticky. The final dough should not stick to your finger when pressed.
- Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper or a silicone baking mat and dust it lightly with flour. Roll the dough out to a rectangle shape about 7mm thick, dusting the rolling pin lightly with flour as needed.
- Cut into 10 long strips, and use a knife to gently ease them apart, so you have a little gap between the cheese straws.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 12-15 minutes, until golden and crisp. Then leave on the tray for a few minutes to firm up, then enjoy!
I hope you enjoy these gluten free cheese straws! For more delicious bakes, why not try some of these recipes:
- Cheddar & Spring Onion Rolls (30 Minute Recipe)
- Double Chocolate Muffins (30 Minute Recipe)
- Focaccia
Happy baking! x
