Cheesy puff pastry sticks are a delightful snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick appetizer. Made with layers of puff pastry, parmesan, and salami, and topped with sesame and poppy seeds, these baked treats are sure to impress. Pairing them with a rich beer-based cheese sauce gives them an added burst of flavor that complements the crunch of the puff pastry. This recipe is simple yet delicious, combining savory flavors with a bit of a spicy kick from the chili flakes. Let’s dive into making this irresistible snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Sticks:

Puff pastry dough – 400 g (14 oz)
Olive oil – 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)

Salt – 5 g (0.18 oz)
Parmesan – 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
Sesame seeds – For sprinkling

Pressed cheese – 200 g (7 oz), grated
Salami – 150 g (5.3 oz), thinly sliced
Poppy seeds – For sprinkling

Egg – 1 piece (for egg wash)
Tray size – 32 X 42 cm (12.60 x 16.54 in)

For the Beer Cheese Sauce:

Butter – 30 g (1 oz)

Flour – 25 g (0.9 oz)
Beer – 200 ml (6.76 fl oz)
Chili flakes – 5 g (0.18 oz)

Salt – 3 g (0.11 oz)
Pressed cheese – 100 g (3.5 oz), grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

Roll out the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 5 mm (0.2 inches) thick. Ensure the dough covers the size of your tray (32 x 42 cm).
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture.
Sprinkle salt evenly over the puff pastry.

Grate the Parmesan cheese over half of the puff pastry dough. Next, layer on the thin slices of salami and pressed cheese over the same half.
Fold the puff pastry in half, covering the cheese and salami filling. Gently press the edges together to seal the filling inside.
Brush the top with a beaten egg to create a shiny finish when baked.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle sesame seeds and poppy seeds over the egg-washed top of the puff pastry to add a crunchy texture and a visually appealing finish.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips that are about 2 cm wide. You can twist each strip slightly to create a spiral shape for a more decorative look.

Step 3: Bake the Puff Pastry Sticks

Place the pastry strips on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one for expansion during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the sticks to cool slightly before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Beer Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown.

Slowly pour in the beer, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Add chili flakes, salt, and grated pressed cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
Remove the sauce from the heat and pour it into a small serving bowl.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the freshly baked puff pastry sticks alongside the beer cheese sauce for dipping.
Enjoy the savory, crispy puff pastry combined with the rich and spicy cheese sauce.

Cooking Tips

Chill the puff pastry before baking for a crispier result. If the dough warms up too much while handling, place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before proceeding.

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Twist the puff pastry strips for a fun presentation. Twisting them before baking gives them a spiral shape, making them more visually appealing.
Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili flakes in the cheese sauce according to your taste.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store any leftover puff pastry sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked puff pastry sticks for up to 1 month. Simply assemble the sticks and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, approximately one puff pastry stick)

Calories: 180-220 kcal

Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 12g

Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 350 mg
Sugars: 1g

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for the Parmesan and pressed cheese. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of the salami.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the puff pastry sticks ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also bake them a few hours before serving and reheat them in the oven to retain their crispness.

3. What can I use as a vegetarian alternative to salami?

For a vegetarian option, you can replace the salami with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, or simply make the cheese sticks without any meat.

4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure you don’t overstuff the pastry with filling. Additionally, bake the pastry immediately after assembling, and avoid letting it sit for too long before baking.

5. Can I use non-alcoholic beer for the cheese sauce?

Yes! Non-alcoholic beer works just as well in this recipe, providing the same flavor depth to the cheese sauce.

Conclusion

These cheesy puff pastry sticks with beer sauce are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory. They’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fun snack, this recipe is a must-try. The rich beer cheese sauce adds a unique touch that elevates the flavor of the puff pastry, making it a memorable dish. Try it out and enjoy this mouth-watering snack with family and friends!