Today I bring you one of my mother in law’s recipe for cheese sticks or “saratele” as we call them in Romanian. I shared this recipe with you many years ago but since it’s one of my favorite recipes ever, I thought I’d post about it again! I’ve been eating these all my life but I’ve only learned to make them back in 2006 when my mother in law gave me her recipe. I was super excited when she did because she’s been making these for decades so it really is an honor that she shared them with me! I’m so glad that I married a Romanian man because we have this tradition in common. But even if you didn’t grow up with these holiday dishes you can still enjoy them. Especially these cheese sticks, who doesn’t love a good cheese stick? Although we usually make these during the holidays, they really are good year round for any occasion. Saratele are just simple Romanian breadsticks stuffed with and sprinkled with cheese, need I say more? They are feasted on over the holidays but sometimes I’ll make them in the dead of summer because they go great with a cold beer! I know – someone stop me!
Ingredients
Yeast – We’re using dry active yeast today. Dry ingredients – All purpose flour and salt. Wet ingredients – Ricotta cheese, plain yogurt, margarine, and eggs. Cheese – Gruyere to be shredded fresh and sprinkled over top our cheese sticks before popping them in the oven. Parmesan cheese also works great.
Margarine? Not Butter?
You’ll notice the recipe calls for margarine, but I hardly ever use margarine so I’ve also tried it with butter. I have to say the margarine version is better, so I’ll leave that up to you. Call me crazy, but margarine works!
Can I Use Instant Yeast?
Absolutely! It will even make your job easier since no proofing is required. That is basically the only difference between instant yeast and active dry yeast, whether proofing is required or not. Simply add the yeast to the rest of the ingredients and mix, it’s that easy.
How To Make Cheese Sticks (Saratele)
No Gruyere?
Well no fear! You can sprinkle some other tasty ingredients over top your little cheese sticks.
Parmesan cheese Asiago cheese Caraway seeds Sesame seeds Oregano
How To Store Saratele
You can keep them right on the counter on a plate! Or just wrap the bread sticks with plastic wrap, then refrigerate. When serving again, you can place them on a pan directly in the oven for a few more minutes to heat them through.
Make Ahead
These are great to make ahead. Prepare them as you would then wrap the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month so that they stay frozen and separated. Take them out of the freezer and allow to thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat. Next bake them and serve.
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Cheddar Beef Skillet Pull Apart Bread Skillet Pull Apart Bread with Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pizza Bubble Ring Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits Parker House Rolls Spinach Feta Wreath Honey Rolls
