Save Savory biscuit sticks infused with sharp cheese, tangy dill pickles, and a golden pretzel crust provide the ultimate snack for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
I first made these for our family game night, and they were gone before the last round finished. Everyone loved the combination of crispy pretzel exterior and tangy, cheesy interior.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup (115 g)
- Dill pickles, finely chopped: 1/4 cup (40 g)
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional): 2 tbsp
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Buttermilk, cold: 3/4 cup (180 ml)
- Baking soda (for coating): 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Water (for coating): 4 cups (1 L)
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): 1
- Coarse salt (pretzel or kosher): 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Sheet:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in Butter:
- Add cold butter and blend using a pastry blender or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cheese and Pickles:
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill pickles, and fresh dill.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Add buttermilk and mix gently until dough is just combined.
- Shape Dough:
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a rectangle about 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick.
- Cut Sticks:
- Slice dough into 16 strips, each about 6 inches (15 cm) long and 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) wide.
- Make Pretzel Coating:
- In a saucepan, bring water and baking soda to a boil, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat.
- Dip Sticks:
- Dip each biscuit stick into baking soda solution for 10 seconds, then transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Egg Wash & Salt:
- Brush each stick with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Let biscuit sticks cool slightly before serving.
Save Sharing these cheesy pretzel sticks after a busy week quickly became a family tradition. They disappear faster than any other snack we make together!
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, pastry blender or fork, saucepan, slotted spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, knife or dough cutter
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. Double-check cheese and pickle labels for additional allergen details.
Nutritional Information
Per stick: 135 calories, 7 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein
Save Serve these biscuit sticks warm for the best flavor and crunch. Pair with dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute the cheese used?
Yes, you can swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I get the pretzel crust?
Dipping biscuit sticks in baking soda water before baking gives them a classic pretzel-style finish.
- → What dips pair well with these sticks?
Ranch, mustard, or cheese sauce are excellent accompaniments for savory snacking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Shape and freeze unbaked sticks. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as the cheese is vegetarian-friendly. No meat ingredients are used.
- → What allergens are present?
Sticks contain wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. Always check labels for cheese and pickles.