Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them a delightful addition to any meal or snack time. These quick and easy breadsticks feature a golden, crispy exterior topped with garlic butter, Italian herbs, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Not only do they make a fantastic side dish for pasta nights or family gatherings, but they also serve as an excellent way to use up sourdough discard.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious breadsticks in no time.
- Versatile Pairing: Perfect for serving alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or as part of a charcuterie board.
- Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with mozzarella and parmesan, these breadsticks are a cheesy delight that will satisfy your cravings.
- Use Your Discard: A great way to utilize sourdough discard, minimizing waste while creating something scrumptious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, movie night, or a casual dinner party, these breadsticks will impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe for Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet (13×18)
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the dough to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Baking sheet: The right size allows for even baking and easy transfer of the breadsticks in the oven.
- Plastic wrap: Helps to cover the dough during rising and prevents it from drying out.
Ingredients
Quick and easy sourdough breadsticks topped with garlic butter, Italian herbs and melted cheese. Perfect for using up sourdough discard.
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
How to Make Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Step 1: Mix Yeast and Water
Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Allow it to sit until it becomes foamy—this should take about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard into the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour using the dough hook until the dough becomes smooth and elastic (approximately 4 minutes).
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer the dough into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot to rise for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Transfer this rectangle onto a greased 13×18 baking sheet, pressing it into the corners.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder and herbs; sprinkle this mixture over the dough. Finally, generously cover it with both cheeses.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let the dough rise again for another 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of your oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy. If needed, move to a higher rack during the last two minutes to achieve extra browning on top.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, cut lengthwise then into strips—aiming for about 24 breadsticks in total. Enjoy them warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing!
How to Serve Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Sourdough cheesy breadsticks are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they pair wonderfully with various dips and toppings.
With Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing that adds a tangy flavor.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and zesty, perfect for those who love a rich dip.
- Garlic Butter: Enhance the garlic taste with this warm, savory option.
- Pesto: Adds a fresh, herby dimension that’s deliciously unexpected.
As a Snack
- Game Day Treat: Perfect finger food while watching sports with friends.
- Movie Night Munchies: Serve them warm alongside your favorite film snacks.
- Kids’ Lunchbox Addition: A fun and cheesy surprise that kids will love.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: Crunchy breadsticks complement the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Greek Salad: The flavors of feta and olives contrast nicely with the cheese.
How to Perfect Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
To achieve the best sourdough cheesy breadsticks, follow these simple tips for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active and your cheeses are fresh for optimal taste.
- Knead Well: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your breadsticks the right texture.
- Don’t Rush Rising Times: Allowing the dough to rise adequately enhances flavor and fluffiness.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different herbs or spices to customize flavors to your liking.
- Preheat Oven Properly: A well-heated oven ensures even cooking and nice browning on top.
- Cut Evenly: For consistent baking, cut breadsticks into even strips before baking.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Sourdough cheesy breadsticks can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables pairs nicely for a complete spread.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy sticks.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or meat for a hearty side that complements the lightness of the breadsticks.
- Zucchini Fries: Baked or fried zucchini sticks add another crunchy element to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a satisfying crispy texture alongside cheesy goodness.
- Soup of Choice: Tomato soup is a classic pairing that provides warmth and comfort when served with breadsticks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- yeast usage: Failing to properly activate the yeast can lead to dense breadsticks. Always let the yeast sit in warm water with sugar until foamy before mixing.
- flour measurement: Not measuring flour accurately can affect dough consistency. Use a kitchen scale or fluff the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup.
- dough resting: Skipping the resting time after kneading can result in tough breadsticks. Allow the dough to rise as instructed for a light and airy texture.
- oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can burn or undercook your breadsticks. Always preheat your oven and check with an oven thermometer if necessary.
- ingredient freshness: Using old or expired ingredients may impact flavor. Ensure your yeast and spices are fresh for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- For longer storage, wrap each breadstick tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 20-30 seconds. This method is quick but may make them softer.
- Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks that can help you get the most out of this recipe.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. The breadsticks might turn out denser but still delicious.
How do I customize my Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks?
Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or mix different cheeses such as cheddar or feta for unique flavors.
What should I serve with Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks?
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, making them perfect appetizers or snacks.
Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure that your sourdough discard is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different herbs and cheeses based on your preferences. Try this recipe today for a delightful snack that everyone will love!
Side Dishes
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings (24 breadsticks) 1x
Description
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are the ultimate comfort snack that perfectly balances flavors and textures. With a crispy golden exterior, these breadsticks are topped with fragrant garlic butter, aromatic Italian herbs, and a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Ideal for utilizing sourdough discard, they offer a delicious way to reduce waste while creating a delightful treat. Whether served as an appetizer at gatherings, as a side dish with pasta, or enjoyed as a quick snack during movie night, these cheesy breadsticks are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard to the mixture. Gradually mix in flour until smooth.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 20 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on floured surface, then transfer to a greased baking sheet.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and herbs. Top generously with cheeses.
- Allow the dough to rise again for about 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Cut into strips and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 breadsticks (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
