"There's no doubt that Americans love to snack, no matter what part of the country they're in. According to a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients, nine in 10 American adults consume at least one snack per day. But snacks play a special and central role in the South, whether featured in potluck luncheonettes, cocktail parties, barbecues, and crawfish boils, or simply feeding folks on the go."
"Crunchy and, of course, cheesy, cheese straws are sometimes called "cheese crackers," but that sells them a little short. Cheez-Its or cheese sticks, they're not. Round, thin, and sometimes ribbed, ridged, or twisted, the dough is made with cheese and seasoned with cayenne, red pepper, and salt. Though there are few ingredients, recipes allow for flexibility. Cheddar is the standard, but others add Parmesan or Gruyère, and some use paprika or Aleppo peppers, among others."
Nine in ten American adults consume at least one snack per day. Snacks hold a special and central role in the South, appearing at potlucks, luncheonettes, cocktail parties, barbecues, and crawfish boils, and as food on the go. Southern snacks reflect the region's history, agriculture, geography, and diverse cultural influences. Some Southern snack staples are available nationwide, such as pork rinds and hushpuppies, while others remain local, like New Orleans cracklins and Charleston benne wafers. Cheese straws are a crunchy, cheesy Southern staple made from cheese-based dough seasoned with cayenne, red pepper, and salt, often using cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère.
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