The best ever Hungarian Cheese Sticks (sajtos rud)

Hungarian Cheese Sticks (Sajtos Rud) – this recipe came from my Aunt Agi in Budapest. I have done my best to convert to imperial measures, but to be sure, you should use the metric. Added note, I have successfully made these several times using imperial measures…so go for it!

Hungarian Cheese Sticks (Sajos Rud)

• 300g (about 2 cups) all purpose flour
• 150g (1/2 cup) margarine/sweet butter
• 1 tbsp fast rising yeast (bread machine yeast works)
• Sour cream as necessary for kneeding (I generally need about 2 tbsp)
• 100g (1 cup) shredded cheese (sharp cheddar works well, freshly grated Parmesan is best)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 20g (1/2 cup) shredded cheese
• 1 egg yolk

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water + 1 tsp sugar
2. In a pastry blender or food processor with plastic blades blend flour, margarine, yeast, cheese and salt and pepper until a smooth ball forms, adding sour cream as necessary.
3. Let rest in a warm dark place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375F
5. On a piece of parchment paper, roll out dough to about 1/2 cm (~1/4 inch) thickness.
6. Cut into 7-10 cm (3-4″) x 2 cm (1/2 inch) sticks.
7. Lightly beat the egg yolk and brush tops of sticks.
8. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
9. Let rest 10 minutes.
10. Slide cheese sticks on parchment paper onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
11. Re-cut sticks, if necessary, while still warm. Allow to cool.
12. Enjoy!