Description
Crack Sticks are a cheesy, crispy, and utterly addictive snack perfect for any occasion. Made with a simple dough packed with sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese, flour, butter, egg, and spices, these sticks bake to golden perfection with an irresistible crunch. They’re easy to prepare, customizable with various spices and seeds, and perfect for sharing at parties, movie nights, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour substitute)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or extra shredded cheese for sprinkling
- Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for spicy variation)
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, parsley (for herb infusion)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by combining your shredded cheese, flour, butter, egg, and spices in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a mixer to knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
- Roll and Cut: Dust your workspace with flour and roll the dough out into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into thin sticks, roughly ½ inch wide.
- Add Toppings: If you want to sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or extra cheese over your Crack Sticks, now is the time. Lightly brush the sticks with water or egg wash to help the toppings stick.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the Crack Sticks to a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps maintain their crispy texture—then dive in and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Cut all sticks to the same size to ensure even baking and consistent crunchiness.
- Remove sticks as soon as they turn golden to prevent dryness.
- Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before rolling for easier handling and better texture.
- Serve Crack Sticks warm fresh from the oven for the best taste and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sticks
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg