Puff Pastry Cheese Stick Appetizers
Introduction
Puff Pastry Cheese Stick Appetizers are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making them an ideal choice for any gathering or as a delightful snack for yourself. With a crispy, flaky texture that comes from the golden layers of puff pastry, these cheesy bites are infused with savory herbs and spices, delivering a mouthwatering experience that will leave your guests wanting more. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these cheese sticks are sure to be a hit, offering a taste that’s both rich and satisfying. This recipe is adaptable, allowing you to switch up the herbs for poppy seeds or caraway seeds, ensuring that each batch can bring a new twist to your snack table.
Recipe Details
| Name | Puff Pastry Cheese Stick Appetizers |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Description | Quick, fabulous, and definitely a crowd pleaser! Best served warm, these cheese sticks will keep for up to 4 days in a tightly covered container. |
| Recipe Category | Quick Breads |
| Servings | Yields approximately 60 cheese sticks |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 2 teaspoons | Dried oregano |
| 2 teaspoons | Dried thyme |
| 1 teaspoon | Garlic powder |
| 1 1/4 teaspoons | Fresh ground black pepper |
| 2 tablespoons | Sesame seeds |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1 package (approximately 17.3 ounces) | Frozen puff pastry, thawed |
Nutritional Information (Per Cheese Stick)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 53.5 |
| Total Fat | 3.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.7 mg |
| Sodium | 46.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cheese sticks cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, use a cheese grater or a food processor to grate the Parmesan cheese. Once the cheese is grated, add in the dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, fresh ground black pepper, and sesame seeds. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
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Beat the Eggs: In a long baking dish, beat the eggs until well combined. This egg wash will help the cheese mixture adhere to the puff pastry and give the sticks a lovely golden finish.
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Dredge the Puff Pastry: Take the thawed sheets of puff pastry and dip both sides into the beaten eggs. Make sure the dough is well coated, and then dredge it lightly in the cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the cheese adheres to the pastry.
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Cut the Dough: Once the cheese-coated pastry is ready, place the seasoned sheets of dough onto sheets of wax paper for easy handling. Using a pastry wheel or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips measuring approximately 6 inches long and 1 inch wide.
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Shape the Cheese Sticks: After cutting the strips, take each one and twist it into a spiral shape. Place these twisted cheese sticks about 1 inch apart on a foil-lined baking sheet, as they will expand slightly while baking.
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Bake: Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cheese sticks for approximately 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they achieve a beautiful, golden color without over-baking.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the cheese sticks from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute. Using a wide spatula, carefully lift the cheese sticks off the baking sheet and transfer them to a serving platter. These cheesy delights are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
Conclusion
Puff Pastry Cheese Stick Appetizers are an enticing addition to any menu, whether for a casual family gathering, a festive holiday celebration, or a laid-back evening with friends. With their elegant appearance and delightful crunch, these cheese sticks are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. The balance of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, and the ability to customize the herbs ensures that they can suit any occasion or personal taste. Enjoy the delightful experience of preparing and sharing these tasty treats, and watch as they disappear from your platter in no time!
