Traditional Dutch Kaasstengels Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of all-purpose flour
300 grams of unsalted butter, cold and diced
2 egg yolks
100 grams of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
200 grams of aged Gouda cheese, finely grated
1 egg, for egg wash

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 150 degrees Celsius and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the dry ingredients mixture. Use your hands to combine until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the mixture and knead the dough until it forms a ball. If the dough is too dry, you can add a bit of cold water.
Grate the aged Gouda cheese and mix it into the dough until it’s evenly distributed.
Form the dough into small, rectangular sticks and place them on the lined baking sheets.
Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of egg wash on top of each stick.
Bake the sticks in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Allow the sticks to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dry ingredients and knead the dough.
Pastry Brush - Used to apply the egg wash on top of the Kaasstengels before baking.
Grater - Used to finely grate the aged Gouda cheese.
Baking Sheets - Two baking sheets to line with parchment paper and place the Kaasstengels for baking.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheets to prevent the Kaasstengels from sticking.
Oven - Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius for baking the Kaasstengels.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
Replace the aged Gouda cheese with another type of cheese such as Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere for different flavor profiles.
Add herbs and spices to the dough mixture, such as dried oregano, paprika, or garlic powder, to enhance the savory taste.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a small amount of finely chopped dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, into the dough.
Add a bit of heat and spice by including finely chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the dough mixture.
Create a vegetarian version by omitting the cheese and adding a combination of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, to the dough.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes – instead of rectangular sticks, form the dough into twists, knots, or bite-sized rounds.
Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the egg wash before baking.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Kaasstengels, a delightful, cheesy treat hailing from the Netherlands. These are small, rectangular cheese sticks, perfect for snacking, and feature the rich, robust flavor of aged Gouda. This recipe walks you through each step, from forming the dough, to baking these to golden brown perfection. Expect a crunchy, savory snack that's ideal to pair with a glass of wine or to serve at your next party. The process is straightforward, and the result is deliciously addictive cheese sticks that you'll enjoy baking as much as eating!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? - It is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the final product.
Can I substitute the Gouda cheese with another type of cheese? - While Gouda cheese gives these Kaasstengels their signature flavor, you can experiment with other types of hard cheeses such as Cheddar or Edam as substitutes.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking? - No, there is no need to chill the dough before baking. You can shape the sticks immediately and bake them right away.
Can I freeze the unbaked Kaasstengels? - Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Kaasstengels. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly and then proceed with baking as instructed.
How long do these Kaasstengels stay fresh? - These Kaasstengels are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheets - These are used to place the Kaasstengels on and bake them in the oven.
Parchment paper - This is placed on the baking sheets to prevent the Kaasstengels from sticking.
Large bowl - Used to mix the dry ingredients and combine the dough.
Grater - Needed to finely grate the aged Gouda cheese.
Pastry brush - Used to apply the egg wash on top of the Kaasstengels.

Origin stories

Kaasstengels, also known as Kastengel or cheese sticks, are a popular snack in Indonesia, but their roots are deeply tied to the Dutch colonial period. Originally a Dutch cookie called Kaasstengels, the recipe was tweaked and adapted by the Indonesian locals over the years. The Dutch version is more of a puff pastry stick layered with Gouda or Edam cheese, while the Indonesian version has transformed into a dense, crumbly, and cheesy biscuit. It's commonly served during festive occasions, especially Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Every year, Indonesian families come together to make these savoury treats, filling homes with the delicious aroma of baking and cheese. The tradition not only produces a scrumptious snack but also serves as a symbol of unity and love, reflecting the Indonesian philosophy of gotong royong, or communal helping.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.