Print

Wholesome Severed Finger Cheese Straws

severed finger cheese straws - featured image

These creepy yet delicious cheese straws are baked as one sheet and broken into finger-like pieces, creating a perfect Halloween snack with crispy edges and a tender, cheesy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup cold water (add more if needed, one tablespoon at a time)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Flaky sea salt (for topping)
  • Optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces.
  4. Toss the grated cheddar into the flour-butter mixture. Use your hands to gently distribute it.
  5. Drizzle the cold water over the mixture and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. It should look shaggy and slightly dry.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about ½-inch thick. Don’t knead it.
  7. Carefully lift the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently press it into an even rectangle, about 10×8 inches.
  8. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, lightly score the dough into finger-sized strips about 1-inch apart. Don’t cut all the way through.
  9. Brush the beaten egg evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any additional seeds you’re using.
  10. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are deep golden brown and the center is firm to the touch. Rotate the pan halfway through if edges brown faster.
  11. Let the sheet cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.
  12. Once completely cool, use your hands to break the sheet along the scored lines into finger-like pieces.

Notes

Keep all ingredients cold for flaky layers. Do not overwork the dough. Let cool completely before breaking. For extra realism, trim ends to look like knuckles or fingernails. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese straws, Halloween snack, finger food, cheddar, party appetizer, creepy snack, easy cheese straws