Cheese Straws with Sesame and Caraway

Cheese straws are a delicious baked snack that's perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying at home. With a rich blend of cheese and buttery flavors, these pastries offer a delightful combination of crispy textures and savory tastes. Made from a simple dough enriched with cheese and butter, they are then rolled into slender sticks and finished with a touch of sesame seeds and caraway for a unique twist. They're easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a little time for the dough to rest. Baked to golden perfection, these straws are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for dips or as standalone treats, they are versatile enough to adapt to various flavor preferences. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick snack, these cheese straws will surely impress your guests and satisfy cravings. Their inviting aroma and delicious flavor make them an ideal choice for cheese lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 400 g flour
• 100 g butter
• 150 g cheese, grated
• 200 ml milk
• 1 egg

Spices and Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Caraway seeds

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough resting time)
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend them together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

2. Grate the Cheese: Finely grate the cheese and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Stir to combine evenly.

3. Incorporate the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to stir. The mixture will begin to come together into a dough.

4. Adjust Texture: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until a smooth consistency is achieved.

5. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to become more workable.

6. Prepare for Rolling: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Roll Out the Dough: After resting, place the dough on a floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin.

8. Cut the Straws: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide.

9. Shape the Straws: Carefully transfer the strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for expansion during baking.

10. Prepare the Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it with a fork. Brush the tops of the dough strips with the egg wash.

11. Add the Toppings: Generously sprinkle sesame seeds and caraway seeds over the tops of the egg-washed straws.

12. Bake the Straws: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the straws are golden brown and crisp.

13. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

14. Store Properly: These cheese straws can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining their crisp texture.

Tips

• Cheese Variation: Try using different types of cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for variations in flavor.
• Extra Crunch: For added texture, consider incorporating poppy seeds or crushed nuts in the dough.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the dough for a hint of heat.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
• Protein: 6 g
• Fats: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and milk with plant-based options. Use a flaxseed egg as a substitute for the regular egg.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cheese straws alongside a bowl of rich tomato soup or a fresh garden salad.
• Pair with a selection of dips, such as hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki, for a delightful appetizer platter.

Best Places

• Cheese Straw Lovers Café - A cozy spot known for its artisan cheese pastries. Location: 123 Gourmet Lane, Paris, France.
• Straw Sensation - Offering a variety of cheesy snacks. Location: 456 Culinary Blvd, New York City, USA.
• The Cheese Twist Bar - Specializes in all things cheese. Location: 789 Snack Street, London, UK.
• Cheese & More - Delight in their diverse cheese offerings. Location: 321 Flavor Avenue, Sydney, Australia.
• Baked Delights - Famous for its fresh-baked cheese dishes. Location: 654 Pastry Park, Chicago, USA.
• Fromage Pastries - Exquisite cheese desserts and snacks. Location: 987 Cheese Corner, Toronto, Canada.
• The Gourmet Chef - Offers a fine selection of gourmet cheese snacks. Location: 741 Cuisine Court, Milan, Italy.
• Crusty Creations - Celebrated for its artisanal bakes. Location: 852 Bakery Blvd, Berlin, Germany.
• Warm Oven Café - Cozy atmosphere with a range of baked goodies. Location: 963 Comfort Lane, San Francisco, USA.
• Cheesy Bites Bistro - Known for its inventive cheese treats. Location: 159 Snackville, Amsterdam, Netherlands.