These Cheese and Poppy Seed Biscuits are a delightful snack, perfect as an appetizer or to accompany soups and salads. With a soft yet crunchy texture and the rich flavor of melted cheese and poppy seeds, they make for a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these homemade breadsticks are simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Lukewarm water: 100 ml
Dry yeast: 5 g

Sugar: 1 tsp
Flour: 250 g (about 2 cups)
Baking powder: 1 tsp

Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
Poppy seeds: 1-2 tbsp
Cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or any firm cheese): 50-70 g, grated

Salt (for dough): 1/2 tsp
Extra salt for sprinkling (optional)
Additional water and oil mixture for brushing (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine 100 ml lukewarm water, 5 g of dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
Add the activated yeast mixture, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and start mixing until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more lukewarm water, one tablespoon at a time.

Once combined, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow it to rise slightly.

3. Shape the Breadsticks:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
After the dough has rested, roll it out into a rectangle about 1 cm thick on a floured surface.

Brush the dough with a light layer of the water and oil mixture, then sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top, followed by the poppy seeds. You can also sprinkle extra salt if desired.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips, approximately 1.5 cm wide and 12-15 cm long. Gently twist each strip several times before placing it onto the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake the Breadsticks:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can brush them with a little extra oil for a shiny finish if desired.

Cooking Tips:

Ensure the yeast is activated: If your yeast mixture doesn’t froth after 10 minutes, it may be inactive. Start over with fresh yeast to ensure your dough rises properly.
Twisting the breadsticks: The twisting process not only gives the breadsticks a fun appearance but also helps the cheese and poppy seeds stick to the dough.

Cheese options: You can use any firm cheese like cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for this recipe. For a more robust flavor, try a combination of different cheeses.
Storage: These breadsticks are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they lose their crispiness, you can pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crunch.

Storage:

Room Temperature: Store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

Freezing: You can freeze the baked breadsticks by wrapping them in aluminum foil or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Breadstick):

Calories: 150 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g

Protein: 5 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g

Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium: 200 mg
Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 1 g

FAQs:

1. Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these biscuits. Just be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

2. What can I substitute for poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can use sesame seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds as a substitute. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the biscuits.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or a mix of parmesan and cheddar. Hard cheeses tend to melt better and provide a rich flavor.

4. How can I make the breadsticks extra crispy?
To make the biscuits crispier, roll the dough thinner and bake for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

5. Can I add herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough will enhance the flavor and make the biscuits more aromatic.

Conclusion:

These Cheese and Poppy Seed Breadsticks are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a standalone treat, their cheesy, savory flavor and crisp texture are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe can be adapted to suit your taste. From using different cheeses to adding a variety of seeds or herbs, you can personalize these breadsticks to make them truly your own. Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, these buscuits are a warm and comforting addition to any meal.