Cheese Sticks

There’s something incredibly comforting about serving up a plate of Cheese Sticks to friends and family. I still remember the first time I tried them at a friend’s gathering. The warm, cheesy goodness was a crowd-pleaser, and I couldn’t resist going back for seconds. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to perfect my own recipe. These Cheese Sticks are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side for a hearty meal. Whenever I prepare them, I feel a sense of joy and nostalgia—each bite reminds me of laughter-filled gatherings and shared moments over delicious food. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these Cheese Sticks never fail to bring smiles to faces. So, let’s dive into making these delightful treats together!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheese Sticks

For Cheese Sticks, the ingredients are simple yet essential for that perfect blend of flavors and textures. Each element plays a vital role in creating the final dish. The key players here are the ricotta cheese, which gives a creamy base, and the gruyere cheese that adds depth and a hint of nuttiness. The combination of these ingredients is what makes your Cheese Sticks a hit!

• 8 ounces ricotta cheese: A creamy cheese that forms the base of the dough, providing moisture and richness.
• 1 cup plain yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and helps achieve a tender texture.
• 6 ounces margarine: Used for richness; you can also substitute it with butter for a different flavor.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the dough’s structure.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors in the recipe.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it a light texture.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The main ingredient that forms the dough, providing structure.
• 1 egg (for egg wash): Used to give the sticks a beautiful golden color when baked.
• 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded): Adds a melty, flavorful finish to the sticks.

Instructions for Cheese Sticks

Ready to create some delicious Cheese Sticks? The process is fun and straightforward! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started. Follow these steps closely, and soon you’ll be enjoying your very own cheesy delights.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, plain yogurt, margarine, egg, active dry yeast, and salt. Use the paddle attachment of your mixer on medium speed until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and smooth, with no lumps.
2. Gradually add half of the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Continue mixing until the flour is fully combined. The dough will begin to form and get slightly thicker.
3. Once the first half of the flour is well mixed, add the remaining flour. Switch the mixer to a dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and elastic. This may take about five minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the dough to rise slightly.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the sticks from sticking and make cleanup easier.
6. When the dough is ready, take it out of the refrigerator and divide it into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as you want a good chew in your Cheese Sticks.
7. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into long strips. Place these strips on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each piece.
8. If desired, poke holes into each stick using the end of a skewer. This step is optional, but it can help the sticks bake evenly.
9. In a small bowl, whisk another egg to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each stick with the wash, ensuring they are well coated for a golden finish. Sprinkle the shredded gruyere cheese generously over the top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. When done, the sticks should look beautifully golden and smell amazing!
11. Once baked, remove the Cheese Sticks from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the second piece of dough.

Tips and Tricks about Cheese Sticks

Making the perfect Cheese Sticks can be enhanced with a few tips and tricks. Let’s ensure you have the best experience while making them!

• Storage: Keep leftover Cheese Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They taste great even when reheated!
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: These Cheese Sticks are delicious with marinara sauce, garlic dip, or even a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serving: Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
• Variations: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder into the dough for extra flavor!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Cheese Sticks, the possibilities are endless! These delightful treats can be paired with a variety of dishes or enjoyed on their own. Here are some ideas:

• As an appetizer: Present them on a platter with a selection of dips such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
• For lunch: They’re great as a side dish alongside a fresh garden salad or a comforting bowl of soup.
• At parties: Make a large batch for gatherings; they disappear quickly and are always a hit with guests.
• During festivities: Perfect for holiday events, they add a fun and festive touch to any table.
• For kids’ meals: Serve them with a side of fruit or veggie sticks to create a fun and nutritious plate.
• Storage tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container on the counter for short-term freshness, or refrigerate for longer preservation.
• Seasonal pairings: In colder months, serve them warm with hearty soups; in warmer weather, pair them with light salads.

FAQ

Conclusion

The charm of Cheese Sticks lies in their delightful texture and wonderful flavor that brings everyone together. They’re a fantastic snack for any occasion, offering a cheesy treat that warms the heart. I encourage you to try making them—you’ll quickly see why they’re so beloved!

Cheese Sticks

Get ready to satisfy your cheesy cravings with these delightful Cheese Sticks. Perfectly crispy and gooey, they make for an irresistible snack or appetizer. Easy to prepare, these treats are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizers, Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 18 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 6 ounces margarine
• 1 whole egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 whole egg (for egg wash)
• 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, plain yogurt, margarine, egg, active dry yeast, and salt. Use the paddle attachment of your mixer on medium speed until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and smooth, with no lumps.
• Gradually add half of the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Continue mixing until the flour is fully combined. The dough will begin to form and get slightly thicker.
• Once the first half of the flour is well mixed, add the remaining flour. Switch the mixer to a dough hook attachment and mix on low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes smooth and elastic. This may take about five minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a large, oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the dough to rise slightly.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the sticks from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• When the dough is ready, take it out of the refrigerator and divide it into two equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as you want a good chew in your Cheese Sticks.
• Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into long strips. Place these strips on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each piece.
• If desired, poke holes into each stick using the end of a skewer. This step is optional, but it can help the sticks bake evenly.
• In a small bowl, whisk another egg to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each stick with the wash, ensuring they are well coated for a golden finish. Sprinkle the shredded gruyere cheese generously over the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. When done, the sticks should look beautifully golden and smell amazing!
• Once baked, remove the Cheese Sticks from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the second piece of dough.

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep leftover Cheese Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They taste great even when reheated!
• Tip 2: To freeze, place the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Tip 3: These Cheese Sticks are delicious with marinara sauce, garlic dip, or even a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Tip 4: Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder into the dough for extra flavor!

Keyword appetizer recipe, cheesy snacks, easy cheese sticks recipe, homemade cheese sticks