Cheese and cheese pastry

Recipe for Cheese and Smoked Cheese Snacks

If you've been craving salty snacks after the holidays, there's no better choice than to prepare these delicious cheese and smoked cheese snacks. These crispy treats are perfect for any occasion, from parties to movie nights at home. I invite you to discover each step of this simple and quick recipe that will surely win you over.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 2 trays (approximately 40 snacks)

Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g soft butter
- 50 g lard
- 100 g sour cream
- 100 g cottage cheese
- 100 g smoked cheese (or any other cheese, according to preference)
- Flour as needed (approximately 300 - 400 g)
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Sunflower seeds

A bit of history:
These snacks are traditional treats that have become popular in many cultures. They are usually served as appetizers or snacks, being perfectly crispy and salty. This recipe, with cheese and smoked cheese, adds a note of flavor and intensity, making them an ideal choice to be enjoyed alongside a glass of wine or a cold beer.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by putting the egg, salt, soft butter, lard, and sour cream in a bowl. These ingredients will form the rich and flavorful base of your dough. Mix them well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

2. Adding the cheese: Add the cottage cheese and grated smoked cheese. These will provide texture and a delicious taste to your snacks. Mix again carefully to avoid crushing the cheese too much.

3. Incorporating the flour: Begin to gradually add the flour while constantly mixing. It is essential to add the flour in small amounts to control the texture of the dough. Aim for a non-sticky dough that can be easily shaped.

4. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps solidify the butter and achieve a crispy texture.

5. Preheating the oven: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to warm up. This will ensure even and perfect baking.

6. Shaping the snacks: On a lightly oiled work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 5 mm. Cut into strips 1-1.5 cm wide and 7-10 cm long. If you want to be creative, you can cut the dough into various shapes, such as triangles or squares.

7. Preparing for baking: Transfer the strips of dough to a greased baking tray lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk and brush each snack with this mixture. This will give a golden color and an appetizing shine.

8. Sprinkling seeds: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds on top of the snacks. These will not only add extra crunch but will also beautify the final appearance of the dish.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the snacks for 20-25 minutes, or until they are nicely browned. Be sure to check them from time to time, as each oven bakes differently.

10. Cooling: Once the snacks are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain their crispiness.

Serving suggestions:
These cheese and smoked cheese snacks are delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can accompany them with a yogurt or sour cream dip for a refreshing contrast. They also pair wonderfully with a dry white wine or a craft beer.

Personalized version:
If you want to add an extra flavor, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese. You can also add spices like dill, cumin, or paprika to the dough to give it a personal touch.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! Any cheese that melts well will work perfectly.
- How can I store the snacks? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain crispy for a few days.
- Can I freeze the snacks? Yes, you can freeze the snacks before baking them. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap.

Nutritional benefits:
These cheese and smoked cheese snacks are a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg. They also contain healthy fats from butter and lard, which provide a rich taste. However, like any snack, it's best to consume them in moderation.

I hope I have inspired you to try this delicious recipe for cheese and smoked cheese snacks! Whether you prepare them for a party or simply to indulge at home, they will surely be a hit. Enjoy!