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!
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!