Homemade Hungarian Cheese Pogácsa

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 200g (7 oz) grated cheese (such as cheddar or gouda) 200g (7 oz) grated cheese (such as cheddar or gouda)
• 100g (1/2 cup) sour cream 100g (1/2 cup) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sweet paprika, and caraway seeds.
3. 3.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4.
   Stir in the grated cheese and sour cream until a soft dough forms.
5. 5.
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch and use a round cookie cutter to cut out small circles.
7. 7.
   Place the circles onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the pogácsa cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — Use a flavorful cheese such as cheddar or gouda for the best results. Grate the cheese yourself for optimal freshness.
• Sour cream — Opt for full-fat sour cream to achieve a rich and creamy texture in the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some grated cheese and paprika on top of the pogácsa before baking.
• Serve the pogácsa warm for the best taste and texture.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations.
• These pastries can be frozen and reheated for later enjoyment.
• Enjoy the pogácsa with a dollop of sour cream or a side of Hungarian goulash.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Hungarian Cheese Pogácsa as a delightful appetizer or snack. They are best enjoyed warm and can be served plain or with a side of sour cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Homemade Hungarian Cheese Pogácsa on a platter, allowing their golden-brown color to shine. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for an added touch of freshness.