Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks – A Delicious Snack Appetizer
These crispy, cheesy puff pastry sticks, seasoned with a hint of paprika and poppy seeds, make for an irresistible appetizer. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, they are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or needing a quick treat. The golden-brown crust and savory filling are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making these Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks an ideal addition to your recipe collection.
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 1 batch (approximately 10-12 sticks)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients for Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff pastry | 1 sheet |
| Poppy seeds (black) | 3g |
| Poppy seeds (white) | 3g |
| Grana Padano cheese (DOP) | 50g, grated |
| Egg | 1 (beaten) |
| Paprika | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Whole milk | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Instructions for Preparing Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks:
-
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the cheese puff pastry sticks bake evenly and prevent sticking. -
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a clean work surface. If necessary, use a rolling pin to gently flatten the pastry so that it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Be careful not to overwork the dough; just a light rolling will suffice. -
Brush with Milk
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the entire surface of the pastry sheet with the whole milk. This will help the seasonings and cheese adhere to the dough, giving it a golden finish when baked. -
Sprinkle with Grana Padano
Evenly distribute the grated Grana Padano cheese over the pastry sheet. Make sure to cover the entire surface with a generous layer of cheese, allowing the cheesy flavor to shine through in every bite. -
Add Poppy Seeds
Divide the pastry sheet into three equal sections (either visually or with a knife to mark the divisions). In the first section, sprinkle the black poppy seeds evenly across the surface. In the second section, spread the white poppy seeds. -
Cut into Strips
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry lengthwise into approximately 2 cm wide vertical strips. Then, cut the strips horizontally into pieces that are about 8-10 cm in length. These smaller pieces will give you the signature puff pastry sticks once baked. -
Season with Paprika and Salt
Lightly dust the cut strips with paprika for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of color. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste. The paprika will not only add spice but also a beautiful golden hue to the baked sticks. -
Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. The pastry will puff up as it bakes, so leave a little space between each strip. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crispy. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the puff pastry sticks from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat. They pair wonderfully with dips, or you can enjoy them on their own as a light appetizer.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Options: You can replace Grana Padano with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a sprinkle of dried herbs such as thyme or oregano along with the paprika.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these cheesy puff pastry sticks with a variety of dipping sauces, like marinara, pesto, or a tangy yogurt dip for added depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: These puff pastry sticks can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their crispiness.
These Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are a perfect balance of crispy texture, rich cheese flavor, and delightful seasonings. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family meal, a dinner party, or simply as a savory snack, these sticks are bound to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the elegance of puff pastry, creates a snack that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy!
