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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon instant yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Instead of instant yeast, active dry yeast works too; just let it bloom in warm water first. For cheeses, feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar. In place of fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch. If you want to skip the garlic, garlic powder is a good alternative. Lastly, if you don’t have olive oil, melted butter can be used for the topping. For flour, I recommend King Arthur or Bob's Red Mill for quality. For cheese, I find Sargento mozzarella and Kraft Parmesan to melt nicely. For yeast, Red Star is often reliable. When it comes to olive oil, look for brands like California Olive Ranch for great flavor. Using fresh garlic from the produce section gives the best taste. Remember, quality ingredients lead to better breadsticks! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the warm water with the sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. It should bubble up, showing the yeast is working. Next, add the flour and salt to the yeast mix. Stir until a rough dough forms. Now, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and slightly stretchy. This step builds a good gluten structure. Once you have that, shape it into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes. The dough should double in size. After the dough has risen, it’s time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gently punch down the dough. This step releases air bubbles trapped inside. Move the dough to a floured surface again. Roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Make sure it keeps its shape as you roll. Then, place the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents it from sticking. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough. Make sure all the corners get some love! Now it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over the oiled dough. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into sticks. Make shallow cuts, so the sticks stay connected at the base. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble, while the edges turn golden brown. Once done, take them out and sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Let them cool for a few minutes before pulling them apart. Enjoy your cheesy breadsticks warm for the best taste! If your breadsticks are too dense, check the yeast. It needs to be fresh and active. If the dough does not rise, your water may be too hot or cold. The best water temperature is about 110°F (43°C). For chewy breadsticks, avoid over-kneading. Knead just until the dough is smooth. If the breadsticks are dry, you may need more olive oil. A little extra moisture helps keep them soft. To get a great cheese melt, use fresh mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can cause clumping. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the dough. This ensures every bite has gooey goodness. Bake until bubbly and golden brown. If you want a crispy top, broil for a minute or two at the end. Always watch closely to avoid burning. Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for later. You can also wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze them. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores their crispiness and makes them taste fresh again. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be convenient, but fresh herbs elevate the taste significantly. Perfect Dough Texture: Make sure your dough is kneaded enough to develop gluten. It should be smooth and elastic, which will result in a better texture for your breadsticks. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Adding cheddar or provolone can provide a unique twist to your cheesy garlic breadsticks. Serving Suggestions: Serve your breadsticks warm with dipping sauces like marinara or garlic butter. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a delightful appetizer. {{image_4}} You can swap out mozzarella and Parmesan for other cheeses. Try using cheddar for a sharp taste. Gouda adds a smoky flavor, while provolone gives a rich melt. Mixing different cheeses can lead to a unique flavor. Just make sure to keep the total cheese amount the same. Add fresh herbs to the dough for extra flavor. Basil, rosemary, or thyme can brighten the taste. You can also mix in garlic powder or onion powder for a savory twist. For a fun variation, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the dough. They can create a delightful surprise in every bite. For spice lovers, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also make sweet breadsticks by adding cinnamon and sugar to the dough. Drizzle with honey or melt chocolate for a dessert twist. These ideas can make your cheesy breadsticks different and exciting. Dipping sauces add fun to cheesy breadsticks. A classic marinara sauce works great. It has a nice tomato flavor. You can also try garlic butter for a rich taste. Mix melted butter with minced garlic for a simple dip. If you like a kick, use spicy ranch or sriracha sauce. You can make your own garlic dipping sauce by blending yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice. This gives a fresh twist. Cheesy breadsticks go well with many meals. They pair nicely with a fresh salad. A Caesar or garden salad adds crunch. You can serve them with pasta dishes, too. Try them alongside spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo. They also work well as a side for soups. Tomato soup or creamy potato soup makes a comforting meal. For a snack, enjoy them with a charcuterie board. Add meats, cheeses, and fruits for a fun mix. Presentation makes food more inviting. For parties, serve your cheesy breadsticks on a wooden board. This adds a rustic touch. Use a small bowl for dipping sauces in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also cut the breadsticks into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy for guests to grab them. Arrange them on a platter with olives and cherry tomatoes for a colorful display. To make gluten-free breadsticks, you need a gluten-free flour blend. Use a mix that has xanthan gum, as it helps bind the dough. Start by following the same steps as the regular recipe. Mix warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Then, add your gluten-free flour and salt. Knead the dough gently, as it will be softer. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size. After rising, follow the same baking steps for the perfect cheesy breadsticks. Yes, you can make these breadsticks ahead of time. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, you can shape the breadsticks and freeze them before baking. Place the uncooked breadsticks on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. To reheat breadsticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes. This will make them warm and help the cheese become gooey again. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit soft. For the best texture, the oven is your best bet. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat! In this article, we explored key ingredients, helpful tips, and creative variations for making delicious breadsticks. I covered how to prepare the dough, troubleshoot common issues, and serve them effectively. You now have all the tools to create perfect breadsticks with various flavors and serving ideas. Remember, experimenting can lead to new favorites. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your tasty results!

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Delight

Deliciously cheesy and garlicky breadsticks perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
  • Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the yeast mixture, stirring until a rough dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, creating a nice gluten structure.
  • Shape the kneaded dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Set the bowl in a warm location and allow the dough to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Punch down the risen dough gently to release air bubbles and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape, about ½ inch thick.
  • Carefully place the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring it retains its shape.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano to create a fragrant topping. Brush this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring every corner is coated.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the oiled dough, creating a cheesy blanket.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into sticks, making shallow cuts that don't reach the bottom, ensuring the sticks remain connected at the base.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melty, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, a few red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
  • Allow the cheesy garlic breadsticks to cool for a few minutes before pulling them apart. Serve warm for the best taste experience!

Notes

For an appetizing display, serve the warm breadsticks on a rustic wooden board. Pair with a small bowl of marinara sauce or garlic dipping sauce for added flavor, and garnish with a sprig of parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword appetizer, breadsticks, cheesy, garlic