Cooper’s Southern Gourmet Cheese Straws: A Southern Snack Full of Flavor
There are some snacks that are simply meant to be shared, and then there are those snacks that you put out for everyone and secretly hope there are a few left for you! That is exactly how I felt about Cooper’s Southern Gourmet Cheese Straws.
Cheese straws are a wonderful Southern tradition, and Cooper’s Gourmet takes that tradition and turns it into a delicious gourmet snack that is perfect for entertaining, snacking, gifting, or simply keeping in the pantry when you want something crunchy and cheesy.
I had the opportunity to try three of their flavors: Original Cheddar, Jalapeño Cheddar, and White Cheddar & Chive. Each one has its own personality, but they all have that wonderful combination of cheese, buttery richness, and satisfying crunch that makes cheese straws so enjoyable.
About Cooper’s Southern Gourmet
Cooper’s Southern Gourmet is a Georgia-based company that specializes in traditional Southern cheese straws. The company is a certified women-owned business, certified gluten-free, and Georgia-grown. Their cheese straws are made in small batches using premium ingredients, with an emphasis on natural flavors and traditional Southern taste.
I really like the story behind the product because cheese straws have long been associated with Southern hospitality. They are the kind of snack you can put out when company arrives, serve before dinner, take along to a party, or add to a charcuterie board.
Cooper’s describes its cheese straws as being made with real Wisconsin cheese, and the company focuses on creating a product that delivers that homemade, comforting Southern experience.
These aren't just something you grab because you need a crunchy snack. They are the kind of food that can become part of your entertaining table.
What Makes a Good Cheese Straw?
For me, the texture is extremely important when it comes to cheese straws.
I want that first bite to give me a good crunch, followed by a delicate crumble and plenty of cheesy flavor.
Cooper’s describes its cheese straws as crispy and golden, with a texture that crumbles delicately when you bite into them.
And that texture makes them so versatile.
You can eat them straight from the package, crumble them over soup or salad, serve them with dips, or use them as part of a larger appetizer spread.
The Ingredients
Another thing I appreciate about Cooper’s is its focus on natural ingredients. The company states that its products contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and it uses ingredients from local Georgia farms and companies whenever possible.
The cheese straws are built around ingredients such as cheese, butter, seasonings, salt, and flour. The cheese provides the rich savory flavor, while the butter helps create that deliciously crisp, tender texture.
The Original Cheddar product information specifically highlights real Wisconsin cheese and premium ingredients.
Cooper’s products are manufactured in a facility that also handles tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, and eggs, so anyone with allergies should always check the current package labeling before enjoying them.
Original Cheddar Cheese Straws
Let's start with the classic!
The Original Cheddar is the flavor I would reach for when I want that traditional cheese-straw experience.
You get a wonderful cheddar flavor that is savory, rich, and satisfying. There is also a little seasoning that keeps the flavor from being flat.
What I really enjoy is that the cheddar doesn't get lost behind the other ingredients. You know you're eating a cheese straw!
Taste & Texture
The texture is light, crisp, crunchy, and slightly crumbly, while the cheddar gives every bite a rich savory quality.
There is a buttery quality that makes them feel indulgent without making them heavy.
This is a great flavor for people who love classic cheese snacks.
What to Pair With Original Cheddar
I would serve these with:
Tomato soup
Chili
Vegetable soup
Deli sandwiches
Turkey sandwiches
Charcuterie boards
Grapes and apples
Mild cheeses
Salads
Wine
Iced tea
They would also make a fantastic addition to a holiday appetizer table.
Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Straws
Now we're turning up the flavor!
The Jalapeño Cheddar is the variety for those of us who like a little heat with our cheese.
You still get that delicious cheddar flavor, but the jalapeño adds a peppery kick that makes the snack much more exciting.
Cooper’s describes its cheese straws as having real cheese and a hint of aged cayenne, and the jalapeño variety brings even more pepper flavor to the experience.
Taste & Texture
The texture is just as enjoyable as the original: crunchy on the outside with a delicate crumble when you bite into it.
But the flavor is where this one really stands apart.
You get:
Cheddar → buttery richness → jalapeño → spicy finish.
I especially like that the heat doesn't completely cover up the cheese. The cheddar remains noticeable while the jalapeño gives it that extra kick.
What to Pair With Jalapeño Cheddar
This flavor would be wonderful with foods that can stand up to a little spice.
Try them with:
Chili
Taco soup
Chicken tortilla soup
Pulled pork
BBQ chicken
Burgers
Tacos
Nachos
Guacamole
Salsa
Creamy ranch dip
Pepper jack cheese
Smoked meats
And if you're making a cheese board, put these next to something sweet. The combination of spicy cheese straws with fruit preserves, honey, grapes, or sliced apples would be delicious.
White Cheddar & Chive Cheese Straws
The White Cheddar & Chive gives you something a little different.
Instead of the stronger orange-cheddar flavor, this variety combines the creamy, savory character of white cheddar with the fresh onion-like flavor of chives.
The chive adds another layer of flavor without taking away from the cheese.
Taste & Texture
The texture has that same crispy, crunchy cheese-straw quality that makes Cooper's products so snackable.
The white cheddar brings a smooth, savory cheese flavor, while the chive adds a subtle herbal and onion note.
This would be my choice when I want something a little more delicate and savory.
What to Pair With White Cheddar & Chive
I think these would be fantastic with:
Creamy soups
Chicken salad
Egg salad
Turkey sandwiches
Fresh vegetables
Hummus
Cream cheese dips
Smoked salmon
Fresh fruit
Light salads
Charcuterie boards
They would also be delicious crumbled over a bowl of creamy tomato or potato soup.
Perfect for Entertaining
One of my favorite things about Cooper's cheese straws is how easy they are to serve.
You don't have to prepare anything.
Open the package, pour them into a pretty serving bowl, and you're ready for company.
They would be wonderful for:
Holiday parties: Put them on an appetizer table alongside dips, cheeses, meats, and fruit.
Game day: The Jalapeño Cheddar would be especially good alongside wings, sliders, chili, and dips.
Dinner parties: Put a small bowl of Original Cheddar cheese straws near the drinks for guests to enjoy before dinner.
Charcuterie boards: Use all three flavors to give your guests different tastes and textures.
Everyday snacking: Honestly, you don't need an excuse. Grab a handful when you want something crunchy and savory!
Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Straw Chicken Crunch
I wanted to create a recipe that would really show off the Jalapeño Cheddar cheese straws, and chicken seemed like the perfect match.
The cheese straws provide the cheese, crunch, and spice all at once, turning ordinary chicken breasts into something special.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Cooper’s Southern Gourmet Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Straws, crushed
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon melted butter
Directions
1. Prepare the chicken.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. If the chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Crush the cheese straws.
Place the Jalapeño Cheddar cheese straws into a food-safe bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. You want a mixture of crumbs and slightly larger pieces so the coating has plenty of texture.
3. Set up your coating station.
Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, combine the crushed Jalapeño Cheddar cheese straws with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
4. Coat the chicken.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally press it firmly into the crushed cheese straws.
Make sure the chicken is well coated.
5. Prepare for baking.
Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil and melted butter.
6. Bake.
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For extra crispiness, you can place the chicken under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes. Watch it carefully so the cheese-straw coating doesn't burn.
7. Serve.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
What to Serve With It
I would serve this Jalapeño Cheddar Crunch Chicken with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Corn on the cob
Coleslaw
Green beans
Macaroni and cheese
A fresh garden salad
Roasted potatoes
For a little extra cooling flavor, serve it with a side of ranch dressing or a creamy jalapeño ranch sauce.
My Momz Daily Scoops Review
After trying these three varieties, I can definitely see why cheese straws have remained such a beloved Southern snack.
Original Cheddar is the classic and would be my go-to for traditional cheese-straw flavor.
Jalapeño Cheddar is perfect when you want that cheesy crunch with a little extra heat.
And White Cheddar & Chive brings a savory, slightly more delicate flavor with that wonderful chive addition.
What I really appreciate about Cooper's Southern Gourmet is the attention to traditional Southern flavor while using natural ingredients and real cheese. Their cheese straws are crunchy, flavorful, and versatile enough to enjoy in so many different ways.
For Momz Daily Scoops, I love finding products that can be enjoyed straight from the package but can also inspire recipes in the kitchen. Cooper's cheese straws definitely fit that description.
Whether you're putting together a beautiful charcuterie board, having friends over, looking for a crunchy snack, or wanting to add some Southern flair to your recipes, Cooper's Southern Gourmet Cheese Straws are a delicious little treat to keep on hand.
And that Jalapeño Cheddar? Well, let's just say I wouldn't expect the package to last very long in my house!
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