Sesame Stick Recipe: Crunchy, Savory Snack Perfection

I’m obsessed with these crunchy sesame sticks – they’re the perfect snack to munch on while prepping for a big dinner party. 🔥 I’ve perfected the recipe over years of experimenting with different techniques and ingredients.

These savory sticks are ridiculously easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients. With a perfect balance of crunch and flavor, they’re sure to become a new favorite snack. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Sesame Stick

Simple ingredients for a snack that’s anything but simple. Crunchy, savory, and perfect for sharing.

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For the crispiest sesame sticks, keep butter cold and don’t overwork the dough. I usually make the dough in a food processor to keep everything cold. If you’re doing this by hand, make sure to cut that butter into tiny pieces so it incorporates evenly. The sesame seeds can be white or a mix of white and black—whatever you’ve got on hand.

No garlic powder? Two cloves fresh garlic minced will do the trick. If you want to get fancy, try adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dough. The egg white wash gives that beautiful golden color, but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry—the sticks will still be delicious, just not as pretty. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle some coarse sea salt or poppy seeds on top before baking.

These keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If they last that long! You can also freeze the shaped sticks on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just bake frozen sticks for a few minutes longer than usual. Perfect for making ahead for parties or snacking throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sesame Sticks

Creating these crunchy, savory sesame sticks is straightforward with my tested method.

👨‍🍳 Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sesame Seeds

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, 0.75 cup Sesame Seeds, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, and 0.5 tsp Salt. I like to use a balloon whisk for this step as it incorporates air and ensures even distribution of the ingredients. The mixture should be well combined and have a uniform appearance.

You’ll notice the sesame seeds give the mixture a delightful texture and a nutty aroma. Make sure to break up any clumps of garlic powder or salt that might be stuck together. This dry mixture is the foundation of your sesame sticks, so take your time to get it right.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Incorporate Cold Butter and Create Dough

Add the 0.5 cup Cold Unsalted Butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is crucial as it creates the flaky texture in your sesame sticks.

Next, gradually add the 0.25 cup Water, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water; you want the dough to be cohesive but not wet. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a bit more water, but do this sparingly.

🥘 Step 3: Roll Out and Brush with Egg Wash

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it becomes smooth. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about ¼ inch. I use a rolling pin with a silicone surface to prevent sticking.

Beat the 1 whole Egg White in a small bowl until it’s frothy. Brush this egg wash evenly over the rolled-out dough. The egg wash will help the sesame sticks brown beautifully in the oven and give them a nice sheen.

🔥 Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cut the dough into desired stick shapes—typically ½ inch wide and 3-4 inches long. Place these sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each stick to allow for even baking.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sesame sticks are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they feel firm to the touch and have a deep golden color. If desired, sprinkle with 2 tbsp Poppy Seeds immediately after baking for an extra crunchy topping.

⏰ Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the sesame sticks from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the sesame sticks to become crispy.

Once completely cooled, your sesame sticks are ready to enjoy. They should be crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich sesame flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Essential Equipment for sesame stick

Essential Baking Equipment

To make perfect sesame sticks, you’ll need some basic baking equipment. I swear by my silicone rolling pin for preventing dough from sticking. A rimmed baking sheet is crucial for containing any sesame seeds that fall off during baking. I prefer parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Mixing Tools

A large mixing bowl is necessary for combining your dry ingredients and sesame seeds. I like to use a balloon whisk for incorporating air and ensuring even distribution. For working the cold butter into the flour mixture, a pastry blender or your fingertips work well.

Precision Temperature Control

An oven thermometer ensures your oven is at the correct temperature, which is crucial for achieving perfectly baked sesame sticks. I bake mine at 375°F. If you’re concerned about hot spots, consider using an oven thermometer with multiple probes.

Critical Measuring Tools

For this recipe, precise measurements are key. I use a digital kitchen scale to measure ingredients like 2 cups All-Purpose Flour and 0.75 cup Sesame Seeds accurately. Measuring cups and spoons are also essential.

Cooling Essentials

After baking, a wire rack is necessary for cooling the sesame sticks completely. This helps them become crispy. I also recommend having an airtight container on hand for storing leftovers.

Optional but Helpful

A food processor can be useful for making the dough if you prefer a more uniform texture. Some bakers also like using a bench scraper for handling the dough. While not essential, these tools can make the process easier.