Parmesan sticks

Crispy Parmesan Sticks – a perfect appetizer!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 20 sticks

If you are looking for a quick and simple recipe for a savory appetizer, Parmesan sticks are the ideal choice! These delicious snacks are crispy, flavorful, and have an intense cheese taste, perfect for serving at a party or as a snack between meals. Here’s how to prepare them step by step.

Ingredients:
- 200 g flour
- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg (for brushing the sticks)
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the mixture. Indulge your senses with the aromas of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will add a delightful taste to your sticks.

2. In a large bowl, add the flour, black pepper, and paprika. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula or whisk to combine them. These spices will provide a special flavor and an attractive color.

3. Add the diced butter and start mixing with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet flour. This step is essential, as the butter needs to be well incorporated into the mixture.

4. Continue adding the grated cheese and mustard, mixing vigorously to integrate all the ingredients. In the end, the result should be a homogeneous, slightly sticky mixture that can be shaped.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. This step will help you achieve perfectly crispy sticks without sticking.

6. On a floured work surface, turn out the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into stick shapes, about 1 cm wide and 6-7 cm long.

7. Place the sticks on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between them. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each stick with a pastry brush. This step will give a tempting golden color during baking.

8. Bake the sticks for 12-15 minutes until they become golden and crispy. Check them from time to time, as the baking time may vary depending on the oven.

9. Once ready, let the sticks cool on a cooling rack. They will continue to become crispy as they cool.

Serving suggestions:
Parmesan sticks are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can pair them with a yogurt herb dip or a spicy tomato sauce for an interesting contrast.

Variations:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the dough. Also, experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, to create sticks with unique flavors.

Parmesan sticks are not only a savory appetizer but also an excellent way to impress your guests. With this simple and quick recipe, you will surely add a touch of elegance to any meal!