Andy Montoya
Tits, or rather Crystal Farms, makes spiral cheese sticks using low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese. The cheese is stretched and folded repeatedly to form long snakes, which are then cut to size and twisted into spirals. The cheese sticks are individually wrapped and can be enjoyed as a snack or on-the-go fuel. While the exact process of how Crystal Farms manufactures their spiral cheese sticks is not publicly available, one can assume that it involves industrial-scale machinery to achieve the desired shape and texture. Homemade cheese straws or sticks, on the other hand, are made by rolling out pastry, sprinkling it with cheese and seasonings, and twisting it into spirals before baking.
How to Make Spiral Cheese Sticks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Puff pastry, cheese (cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella), egg, sesame seeds, salt, garlic powder, green onion, butter, bacon |
| Preparation | Roll out pastry, cut into strips, sprinkle with cheese and toppings, twist into spirals, chill, bake |
| Baking Temperature | 375-400 degrees F (190-200 degrees C) |
| Baking Time | 9-20 minutes, until browned and crisp |
| Cooling | Cool on a wire rack before serving |
| Storage | Can be refrigerated (unbaked) overnight, or frozen for up to one month |
| Taste and Texture | Light, flaky, buttery, cheesy, crispy or soft depending on tightness of twist |
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What You'll Learn
Using puff pastry
To make spiral cheese sticks using puff pastry, you can follow these steps:
First, take out the puff pastry and let it come to room temperature. Depending on where you live, you can buy a roll of puff pastry or a block or square of frozen sheets. If using frozen pastry, unfold the puff pastry into a flat sheet on a lightly floured work surface. If your pastry doesn't unfold easily, you can roll it out with a rolling pin. If the pastry comes in a single large sheet, cut it in half crosswise.
Next, roll out each piece of puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Brush one of the pieces with egg wash, then sprinkle over your chosen cheese. You can use a combination of Gruyere and Parmesan, or other melty cheeses like Havarti or Cheddar. If you want to add some spice, sprinkle on some paprika, chili powder, or cayenne.
Now, using a sharp, lightly floured knife or pastry wheel, cut the puff pastry sheet crosswise into strips. The size of your strips will depend on the size of your puff pastry sheet. You can cut them into 12 strips of 10 inches by 1 inch, or 24 strips of 1 inch by 8 inches.
For each cheese stick, you will need two strips, or three if you want to get fancy and braid them together. Place the ends of each strip together at the top and twist the rest of the strips in opposite directions to create a spiral. If they start to untwist, gently press the ends into the parchment to make them stick.
Chill the spirals in the fridge for at least 10 minutes or up to an hour. This will help them firm up and give them a better puff in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper, if desired. Transfer the spirals to a baking sheet, leaving 1/2 inch to 1 inch of space in between for the sticks to puff as they bake.
Finally, bake your spiral cheese sticks until they are crispy, flaky, and golden. These cheesy treats are perfect as appetizers or snacks and can be served alongside a variety of dishes or enjoyed on their own.
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Twisting the pastry into spirals
Next, brush one piece with egg wash, and sprinkle over your chosen cheese and any additional toppings, such as sesame seeds, garlic powder, or green onion. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, or parmigiano-reggiano. Gently press the toppings into the pastry with a rolling pin, and then roll it out again to a size of roughly 10 by 12 inches.
Using a sharp, lightly floured knife or pastry wheel, cut the pastry sheet into strips. The size of the strips will depend on how wide you want your cheese straws to be. Remember that the wider the strips, the more bread-like the final product will be.
Now you are ready to twist the pastry into spirals. Pick up each strip and gently twist it, being careful not to stretch or break the pastry. The tighter you twist them, the denser and crispier they will be. A loose twist will result in a softer, breadier stick. Transfer the twisted spirals to a prepared baking sheet, and brush with more egg wash if desired.
Chill the spirals in the refrigerator until they are firm, which will take a minimum of 30 minutes but can be left for up to 12 hours. This step will help the pastry hold its shape during baking.
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Adding cheese and seasoning
When it comes to adding cheese and seasoning to your spiral cheese sticks, you have a variety of options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences and the desired level of complexity. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Choosing the Cheese:
Start by selecting the type of cheese you want to use. While you can use a single type of cheese, many recipes call for a combination of cheeses to enhance flavour and texture. Here are some options to consider:
- Cheddar: This is a versatile option that can add a sharp or mild flavour, depending on the variety you choose.
- Parmesan: Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savoury flavour to your cheese sticks.
- Mozzarella: Known for its melting properties, mozzarella can create a stretchy, gooey texture inside your cheese sticks. However, be cautious as it melts quickly and can leak out.
- Gouda: While it is a common choice for Venezuelan-style cheese sticks, some people find that it melts too fast and can burn, affecting the taste.
- Queso Blanco Llanero: This is a traditional Venezuelan cheese with a higher melting point, making it ideal for frying.
- Other Options: You can also experiment with other combinations, such as using cheddar, parmesan, and cayenne for a spicy kick.
Preparing the Cheese:
Once you've selected your cheese, it's important to prepare it properly:
- Grate or shred the cheese: This will ensure that it melts evenly and mixes well with other ingredients.
- Combine with seasonings: If you're using multiple cheeses, mix them together in a bowl and add any desired seasonings, such as black pepper, dried herbs, smoked paprika, or curry powder.
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
The beauty of making your own spiral cheese sticks is that you can customise the flavours to your liking. Here are some ideas for seasonings and additional ingredients:
- Black Pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper to your cheese mixture for a classic, savoury flavour.
- Herbs: Dried herbs like Italian seasoning, Herb de Provence, or curry powders can elevate the flavour profile of your cheese sticks.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, cayenne, or other chilli powders can add a spicy kick to your creation.
- Sesame Seeds: For a unique texture and nutty flavour, sprinkle black and white sesame seeds over your cheese sticks before baking.
- Salt: A light sprinkling of flaky salt on the exposed pastry can enhance the overall flavour.
Combining Cheese and Seasonings:
After you've selected and prepared your cheese and seasonings, it's time to bring them together:
- Sprinkle and Press: If you're making puff pastry cheese straws, sprinkle the cheese and seasonings over the pastry, then gently press them into the pastry with a rolling pin.
- Fold and Roll: Fold the pastry over and roll it out again to ensure the cheese and seasonings are well incorporated.
Remember, the key to successful spiral cheese sticks is finding the right balance between cheese and seasonings. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Happy cooking!
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Baking the cheese sticks
To make baked spiral cheese sticks, start by preparing the dough. You can use frozen puff pastry or make your own dough. If you're making your own, unroll the crescent roll dough on a prepared baking sheet. Spread butter over the dough, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and add toppings like green onion, bacon, or garlic powder. Then, roll the dough back up and cut it into 8 even slices with a sharp knife.
Before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the slices on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart, with the cut side facing up. This will ensure they bake evenly and don't droop.
Bake the cheese sticks for 9-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and hold their shape without drooping when lifted. You may need to reshape them during baking if the outside ring of dough comes apart. Simply pinch it back together with your fingers.
Once they're done, let them cool on a wire rack before serving. These cheese sticks are best served hot with a side of warm pasta or marinara sauce for dipping.
You can also add your own twist to the recipe by experimenting with different dried herbs, spices, curry powders, or smoked paprika.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your cheese sticks properly is essential to maintaining their quality for future enjoyment. To store cheese sticks, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They should last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save them for a longer period, you can freeze them. First, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the sticks to a zip-top freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to reheat your cheese sticks, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on whether they are refrigerated or frozen. If your cheese sticks are refrigerated, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them gently until heated through. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes, and you should flip them over halfway through. You can also use an air fryer if you have one. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the cheese sticks in a single layer in the basket. Reheat for 5 to 7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer has a shaking function, gently redistribute the cheese sticks.
If your cheese sticks are frozen, you have a few options. You can bake them in the oven at 450°F for 8 to 15 minutes, or use a toaster oven preheated to the same temperature for 8 to 9 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 25 to 45 seconds on each side, but this may result in a less crispy texture. If you're looking for that crispy texture, try combining the microwave with a toaster oven. Microwave the cheese sticks for 25 to 45 seconds on each side, then finish them off in the toaster oven preheated to the highest temperature for 10 to 15 seconds on each side.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need puff pastry, cheese (such as cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella), and butter. You can also add toppings like sesame seeds, garlic powder, or herbs and spices.
First, roll out the pastry and cut it into strips. Then, sprinkle the cheese and any desired toppings over the strips. Finally, twist the strips into spirals.
Bake the spiral cheese sticks in a preheated oven at 375-400 degrees F (190-200 degrees C) for about 10 minutes, then flip them and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until they are browned and crisp.
Yes, you can assemble the spiral cheese sticks, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight before baking. You can also freeze unbaked spiral cheese sticks in an airtight container for up to one month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator for about an hour before baking.
