Sesame Sticks
Crispy sesame sticks offer a savory snack with cheesy and nutty flavors, perfect for parties or as a tasty appetizer for cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim off bread crusts and cut the bread into 5 strips.
- Place the bread strips on a cookie sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and brush all sides with melted butter.
- Roll the bread strips in Parmesan cheese, then in sesame seeds.
- Place the coated strips back on the cookie sheet, not touching.
- Bake at 250°F (121°C) for an additional 30 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor kick, consider incorporating garlic powder or smoked paprika into the Parmesan coating. If you're out of Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can work as a substitute. Keep an eye on the sesame seeds to prevent burning; toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their nuttiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sesame sticks as a delightful appetizer or snack at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with dips like hummus or tzatziki. For a more substantial offering, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of Watercress Celery Soup to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sesame sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to retain their crispiness, avoid refrigerating them. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed and crispy again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Sticks contains roughly 28 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sesame sticks in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bread strips and coat them with cheese and sesame seeds ahead of time. Store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, bake them as directed for a fresh, crispy treat.
What can I use instead of bread?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free bread or even vegetables like zucchini or eggplant cut into strips. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as these alternatives may cook faster.
How do I make these sticks more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the butter before brushing it onto the bread. Additionally, you can mix different seeds, such as poppy seeds or flaxseeds, with the sesame seeds for a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).