Exceptionally light and delicious savory pastry with cheese

Name: Exceptionally light and delicious savory pastry with cheese
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 250 g all-purpose flour; 125 g cold butter; 150 g grated cheese (cheddar, gouda or Emmental); 1 egg; 100 ml cold water; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; a pinch of ground black pepper (optional); sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Easy to prepare
8 portions
45 minutes

Jan, 09. 01. 2026

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A crunchy treat ideal with wine or just as a snack

If you’re looking for quick homemade savory pastry that’s crisp, light and intensely cheesy, you’ll love this recipe. It’s great as a treat with wine or beer, for parties, and as an unassuming snack that disappears from the table faster than you can serve it. The base is a simple buttery dough, quality cheese and minimal work – yet the result is intensely flavorful and perfectly crunchy.

For 8 portions

Ingredients

For the cheese dough:

250 g all-purpose flour
125 g cold butter
150 g grated cheese (cheddar, gouda or Emmental)
1 egg
100 ml cold water
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of ground black pepper (optional)

To finish:

sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Preparation procedure

Pour the flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl. Add the cold butter cut into small cubes and quickly work it into the flour with your fingers until a fine crumb forms. The butter should not completely melt – that's exactly what ensures flakiness.
Sprinkle the grated cheese into the crumb mixture and mix thoroughly so it's evenly distributed in the dough. The quality of the cheese is key – the stronger it is, the better the flavor.
Beat the egg with the cold water and gradually add to the flour mixture. Work into a smooth, compact dough that doesn't stick. If necessary, add a small amount of water.
Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and it will be beautifully crisp after baking.
Roll the rested dough out to about 3–4 mm thickness. Cut into sticks, squares, or triangles. You can lightly brush the surface with egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
Bake in an oven preheated to 190 °C for about 15–20 minutes, until the pastry turns golden and begins to give off a strong aroma of cheese and butter. After removing, let cool briefly.

Quick facts

Servings: 8–10 servings
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: approx. 45 minutes

Tips and variations

For a stronger flavor you can use Parmesan or aged cheddar.
Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme.
For more cheese pastry inspiration, also check out crispy cheese sticks with seeds – a great option with wine or just as a snack. iRecept
If you want an unusual variation, try looking at other recipes in the savory pastries category. iRecept

Recipe conclusion

This savory pastry with cheese is proof that a few basic ingredients can create an exceptionally tasty and versatile treat. Its flaky texture, pronounced cheesy flavor and simple preparation make it a recipe you’ll be happy to return to. It pairs beautifully with a glass of wine, but also stands as a quick homemade treat.