Joanie's Cheese Straws
A Taste of New Orleans tradition
In the heart of New Orleans, where every street echoes with jazz and every bite tells a tale, Joanie’s Cheese Straws bring a timeless Southern flavor to life. Inspired by a family recipe passed down through five generations, these crispy, savory delights capture the essence of hospitality, heritage, and celebration.
The legacy begins in 1838, when a young man from Bordeaux, France, fell in love with a first-generation New Orleanian of French and Spanish descent. Their union reflected the city’s unique blend of cultures and flavors, a culinary melting pot that would inspire generations to come.
In the heat and humidity of New Orleans, traditional cheese didn’t last long. But local cooks found a way to transform it into something unforgettable: golden, crispy cheese straws with a hint of cayenne spice. Known then as pailles de fromage, they quickly became a beloved Southern staple served at gatherings, gifted at holidays, and cherished at every family table.
For Joanie, cheese straws were more than just a snack; they were a symbol of love and togetherness. Growing up with five sisters in her mother’s warm, pink kitchen, Joanie learned that food had the power to turn strangers into family. The sound of laughter, the scent of cheese baking in the oven, these were the moments that shaped her.
Now in her 60s, Joanie proudly launches Joanie’s Cheese Straws, bringing her family’s cherished recipe to a new generation. As a proud New Orleanian, wife, mother, and first-time entrepreneur, she proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Experience the perfect cheesy crunch that embodies the heart of New Orleans. Order Joanie’s Cheese Straws today and taste a true Southern tradition.