When those afternoon cravings suddenly hit
I think we all know that point in the day when lunch feels like a distant memory, but dinner is still a few hours away. Suddenly, everything from the chocolate bar hiding in the cupboard to a quick stop at the nearest convenience store starts sounding like a brilliant idea.
That’s exactly when I think these homemade cheese breadsticks come in handy.
Now, I’m certainly not going to pretend that bread filled with cream cheese, Gouda, and Parmesan is a particularly healthy snack. But it’s something you’ve made yourself, and a single breadstick can be just enough to satisfy those cravings without completely ruining your appetite for dinner.
The dough is made the traditional way, using yeast, lukewarm milk, eggs, oil, and plain flour. After rising for a good hour, it’s rolled out and filled with three different types of cheese.
And honestly, by that point, it’s already difficult not to get excited about the result.
You can also add some freshly chopped herbs if you happen to have any in the fridge. It’s an easy way to give these relatively simple breadsticks an extra boost of flavor without making the recipe any more complicated.
Make them now and save some for later
One of the best things about homemade baked snacks like these is that you can prepare them whenever you have a little spare time and keep them ready for the next time hunger strikes.
Once the dough has been rolled into a rectangle measuring approximately 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 inches), spread the cream cheese, Gouda, Parmesan, and any optional fresh herbs evenly across the surface.
The dough is then folded in half and pressed together firmly, trapping all that delicious cheesy filling between the two layers.
One side is brushed with beaten egg and sprinkled with poppy seeds, while the other gets a coating of sesame seeds.
Next, the dough is cut into approximately 20 strips, which are twisted before being placed on a baking tray.
This doesn’t just give the breadsticks their attractive shape. It also creates plenty of little layers of dough and melted cheese that become wonderfully delicious as they bake.
After approximately 15 minutes in a conventional oven at 180°C (356°F), they should be beautifully golden and ready to enjoy.
If you’re planning to use them for several snacks or smaller meals throughout the week, I’d definitely recommend making the full batch.
With around 20 breadsticks, you’ll have plenty to enjoy, and it’s so much easier to reach for something homemade when those afternoon cravings start creeping in.
More than just a snack at home
These cheese breadsticks don’t have to sit around waiting for an afternoon snack emergency.
Their convenient size makes them perfect for all kinds of occasions when you want something a little more exciting than an ordinary sandwich.
They’re great for packed lunches, picnics, trips to the park, or even longer car journeys.
Add a few vegetable sticks or some fresh fruit on the side, and they can easily become part of a more substantial snack.
You can also experiment with different flavors.
The fresh herbs can be changed depending on what you have available, or left out entirely. Different seeds on top can also add a little variety from one batch to the next.
Personally, though, I don’t think there’s much need to change the original combination.
The cream cheese provides that lovely creamy texture, the Gouda brings plenty of rich, cheesy flavor, and the Parmesan adds a more distinctive salty taste.
Together, they transform a fairly ordinary yeast dough into something you’ll genuinely look forward to eating when hunger strikes.
And perhaps that’s the whole point.
Not every snack needs to be a full meal or an attempt to replace dinner. Sometimes, all you need is a small homemade treat that hits the spot at exactly the right moment.
Especially on those afternoons when a quick trip to the convenience store suddenly seems far too tempting.
Happy baking, and enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Can you pack cheese breadsticks in a lunchbox?
Absolutely! Their convenient size makes them ideal for packed lunches. They also work wonderfully as a quick snack or something easy to take along on a day out.
How long should cheese breadsticks bake?
Bake the cheese breadsticks for approximately 15 minutes at 180°C (356°F) in a conventional oven. They’re ready when they’ve developed a beautiful golden color.
Can you make cheese breadsticks without fresh herbs?
Yes! The fresh herbs are completely optional. The combination of cream cheese, Gouda, and Parmesan already provides plenty of delicious flavor, so the breadsticks will still taste fantastic without them.