Hungarian Cheese Snacks Sajtos Rúd Recipe – Hungarian Special

Sajtos Rúd, or Hungarian cheese sticks, are savory, flaky pastry snacks topped with golden, melted cheese. These addictive little bites are a popular treat in Hungarian households, especially during the holidays or as party appetizers. Made with a buttery dough enriched with sour cream and eggs, Sajtos Rúd is irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect with a warm drink or as a nibble with wine, these cheesy sticks are sure to disappear quickly from the snack plate!
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time50 min
Hungarian Cheese Snacks Sajtos Rúd Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 200g (about 7 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., cheddar, edam, or traditional Trappista cheese)
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the cold butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in the sour cream and egg yolk, kneading gently until a smooth dough forms.
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Shape the Sticks:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ½ cm (¼ inch) thickness.
Cut into strips about 1 cm wide and 5–7 cm long (½ x 2–3 inches).
Place strips on the baking tray with a bit of space between each.
Brush & Bake:
Brush the tops of the dough strips with beaten egg.
Sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Recipe Notes :
For extra flavor, sprinkle with paprika, caraway seeds, or sesame seeds before baking.
Keep the butter cold when mixing for flakier texture.
These can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days—if they last that long!
Great to serve with soups, salads, or alongside a charcuterie board.