Handkase Cheese with Sesame Crust from the Oven
When baked, sesame seeds combine with the cheese protein to form a nutty, crisp crust that recalls the aroma of a sesame bagel, without any bread at all. The handkase turns golden-brown in 10 minutes under 250 °C top heat while the inside stays creamy. With soy sauce as a dip, this becomes an Asian-inspired keto variation with approx. 2 g net carbs and 24 g fat per serving.
Key facts at a glance
- Total time approx. 15 minutes, coat with crust and bake for 10 minutes.
- Approx. 2 g net carbs and 24 g fat per serving.
- Sesame seeds deliver healthy fats and a nutty aroma without a carb load.
- Ingredients: handkase, sesame seeds (white or black), olive oil, soy sauce, pepper.
Ingredients
1 handkase with sesame crust per person, serve straight from the oven with the dip.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handkase cheese | approx. 60 g each | |||
| approx. 60 g each | ||||
| Sesame seeds | white, black or mixed | |||
| white, black or mixed | ||||
| Olive oil | approx. 1 tbsp | |||
| approx. 1 tbsp | ||||
| Soy sauce | approx. 1 tsp; for serving as a dip | |||
| approx. 1 tsp; for serving as a dip | ||||
| Pepper | - | |||
Preparation
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Preparation and crust
approx. 5 minutes2 piece Handkase cheese approx. 60 g each 30 g Sesame seeds white, black or mixed 15 ml Olive oil approx. 1 tbsp Preheat the oven to 250 °C top heat. Pat the handkase (2 × 60 g) dry and brush all over with 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread 30 g sesame seeds on a deep plate, roll the handkase in them and press the sesame crust on gently.
-
Baking
approx. 10 minutesPlace the handkase on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven at 250 °C top heat for 10 minutes until the sesame crust is golden-brown and fragrant.
-
Serving
approx. 1 minute5 ml Soy sauce approx. 1 tsp; for serving as a dip 1 pinch Pepper Take the handkase out of the oven and season with pepper. Pour the soy sauce (1 tsp) into a small bowl. Serve immediately.
You did it! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Tips for a perfect handkase sesame crust
- Preheat the oven to 250 °C top heat, the high temperature is essential for fast browning.
- Brush the handkase generously with olive oil so the sesame sticks all around.
- Spread the sesame on a deep plate and roll the cheese in it (do not simply sprinkle on top).
- Use parchment paper, otherwise the sesame sticks heavily to the tray.
- Watch the 10 minutes carefully, depending on the oven it can take 8–12 minutes until the crust is golden-brown.
- Serve immediately, once cooled the sesame crust softens slightly.
Why is handkase with sesame crust keto-friendly?
Sesame seeds contain approx. 0 g net carbs per 10 g, but about 5 g fat and 2 g protein per 10 g, a keto-friendly coating. Compared with breadcrumbs (approx. 70 g carbs/100 g) or flour (approx. 72 g carbs/100 g), sesame gives the crust structure without any measurable carbs.
Source: USDA FoodData Central – Sesame nutrition
Sesame: fats for keto
Sesame contains approx. 45 g fat per 100 g, of which approx. 40 % is monounsaturated and approx. 43 % polyunsaturated (omega-6 linoleic acid). For keto that is a sensible source of fat. 30 g of sesame for 2 servings adds approx. 13 g of extra fat.
Soy sauce: a low-carb keto dip
Traditional soy sauce contains approx. 6–7 g carbs per 100 ml. With 1 tsp (approx. 5 ml) per serving you get about 0.3 g carbs, fully keto-compatible. Tamari (the gluten-free version) suits people with gluten intolerance and has similar macros.
How can I vary the sesame crust?
Black sesame delivers the same nuttiness but a more dramatic look. A mix of white and black sesame is especially eye-catching. Nigella seeds (black cumin) also work well.
Variation: ginger and soy sauce dip
1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp freshly grated ginger + a few drops of sesame oil makes a more complex dip that pairs perfectly with the nutty sesame cheese. Ginger contains approx. 15 g carbs/100 g, but at this amount it adds less than 0.2 g of carbs.
Variation: sesame and nori flakes
Dried nori flakes (furikake or simply crumbled nori sheets) mixed with sesame yield a Japanese-inspired crust. Nori is practically carb-free and adds a subtle seafood umami.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 215 kcal | approx. 385 kcal | Higher. Sesame and olive oil contribute substantial calories. |
| Higher. Sesame and olive oil contribute substantial calories. | |||
| Fat | approx. 13.3 g | approx. 24 g | Very good for keto. Sesame and olive oil are excellent fat sources. |
| Very good for keto. Sesame and olive oil are excellent fat sources. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.1 g | approx. 2 g | Very low. Sesame has virtually no net carbs. |
| Very low. Sesame has virtually no net carbs. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 0.5 g | approx. 1 g | Minimal. No added sugar. |
| Minimal. No added sugar. | |||
| Protein | approx. 9.5 g | approx. 17 g | Very good. Handkase and sesame complement each other as protein sources. |
| Very good. Handkase and sesame complement each other as protein sources. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.9 g | approx. 1.6 g | Moderate. Soy sauce as a dip adds sodium, use sparingly. |
| Moderate. Soy sauce as a dip adds sodium, use sparingly. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Do I have to toast the sesame seeds first?
Not necessarily. At 250 °C the sesame toasts on its own while baking. Toasting them briefly in a dry pan first (2–3 minutes) intensifies the nutty aroma and gives the finished crust a deeper sesame profile, recommended if you want to emphasize the sesame flavor.
Can I use mixed sesame (white and black)?
Yes, that works beautifully. A mix of black and white sesame looks attractive and delivers the same flavor level. Black sesame has slightly more bitterness and an earthy note, otherwise the macros and keto suitability are identical.
Why 250 °C instead of a lower temperature?
The high temperature (top heat) browns the sesame quickly before the handkase melts too far and leaks out. At lower temperatures it takes longer and the cheese softens and loses more liquid.
Can I use tamari as a dip instead of soy sauce?
Yes. Tamari is the gluten-free version of soy sauce with a similar flavor but completely without wheat. The macros are nearly identical and also keto-friendly. A good choice for people with gluten intolerance.