Belgian
👍 Beginner Friendly
35 mineasy
BelgianSnack
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsKaasstengels are beloved Belgian cheese sticks that combine the richness of aged Gouda with buttery, flaky pastry. These golden-brown treats are a staple at Belgian gatherings, afternoon tea, and festive occasions. The dough is enriched with butter and egg yolk, creating a tender yet crispy texture that perfectly complements the sharp, nutty flavor of the cheese. Each stick is carefully shaped, brushed with egg wash, and baked until beautifully golden. The result is an irresistible savory snack with a satisfying crunch and a burst of cheesy goodness in every bite. While they require some patience during preparation, the end result is well worth the effort. These cheese sticks embody the Belgian love for quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship in even the simplest of snacks.
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Grate the aged Gouda cheese finely. Add three-quarters of the grated cheese to the flour mixture, reserving the rest for topping.
In a small bowl, whisk together one egg yolk with cold milk. Add this to the flour mixture and knead gently until a smooth dough forms. Do not overwork the dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the dough into strips approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
Carefully transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with a teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush each cheese stick generously with the egg wash.
Sprinkle the reserved grated cheese over the top of each stick, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the kaasstengels are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The cheese sticks will crisp up further as they cool.
Kaasstengels
4.0 (47)
Traditional Belgian cheese sticks made with aged Gouda, featuring crispy flaky pastry exteriors and savory cheese centers. Perfect for parties, snacking, or entertaining guests with authentic Belgian flavor.
medium
55 min
24 servings
Ingredients
0 of 7 checked
Dough
- 2 cups flour, sifted
- 10 tablespoons butter, cold, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups cheese-cheddar, aged Gouda, finely grated
- 2 pieces eggs, separated, yolks for dough
- 2 tablespoons milk, cold
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Topping
- 3 tablespoons cheese-parmesan, finely grated for topping
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the best flavor, use aged Gouda that has been matured for at least 12 months.
•The sharper the cheese, the more pronounced the flavor will be.
•You can experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the dough for a subtle kick.
•These cheese sticks taste best when served at room temperature, allowing the full flavor of the cheese to come through.
•If the dough becomes too warm while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
•For a more golden finish, you can brush the sticks with egg wash twice before baking.
•These make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins or boxes.
•Try serving them with Belgian beer or a crisp white wine for an authentic experience.
