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If you’re looking to elevate your snack game or impress guests with something warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible, this Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe is exactly what you need. These breadsticks combine the tangy depth of sourdough discard with a melty, cheesy topping that’s crisp on the edges and soft inside. Whether you’re craving a comforting appetizer or a perfect side for your favorite pasta, these breadsticks deliver big on flavor and texture with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these incredible breadsticks, you only need a handful of ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of chewiness, crispness, and cheesy goodness. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tang of sourdough discard to the rich, buttery finish.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together smoothly.
- Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and get fluffy.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle touch of sweetness.
- Olive oil: Gives the dough moisture and a subtle richness.
- Sourdough discard: Adds a wonderful tang and complexity to your breadsticks.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and softness.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top to create a golden, flavorful crust.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and offers that classic cheesy pull.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on for a sharp, savory punch that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
How to Make Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Let this mixture rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling that your yeast is ready to work its magic. This step is crucial to ensure your dough rises beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard. Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour using the dough hook attachment, mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. This combination creates that perfect chewy texture and subtle tanginess unique to sourdough.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it somewhere warm to rise for about 20 minutes. This resting time lets your dough develop, becoming light and airy, which is key to soft breadsticks.
Step 4: Shape Your Breadsticks
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape. Move it carefully onto a greased baking sheet, preparing it for the cheesy topping. The rectangle shape ensures easy slicing into evenly sized breadsticks once baked.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Brush the surface generously with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder and your favorite herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Finish by adding shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses evenly across the top—this is where the magic really starts to happen.
Step 6: Second Rise and Oven Prep
Allow the dough to rise another 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F. This short second proof helps the breadsticks puff up, creating that irresistible combination of a soft interior and crispy edges.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautiful golden brown color and crispy cheese edges—this signals your Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, slice the breadsticks into strips. Serve them warm to enjoy that perfect cheesy stretch and buttery, garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen.
How to Serve Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the breadsticks just before serving. A light dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can also add an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks are fantastic alongside robust tomato-based dishes like marinara or bolognese, but they also shine paired with creamy soups, crisp salads, or charcuterie boards. Their versatile flavor profile means they complement a variety of meals effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests further, serve the breadsticks in a rustic wooden bowl lined with a cozy kitchen towel. Or, for a fun family-style meal, place them upright in a tall glass or jar alongside an assortment of dipping sauces like pesto, ranch, or roasted garlic aioli. The possibilities are deliciously endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft interior and crispy exterior for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is an option, but it may slightly affect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these breadsticks either before baking (after the first rise) or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place breadsticks on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes. This brings back their crispiness and makes the cheese melty again, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It just might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results are just as delicious.
What is sourdough discard, and can I substitute it?
Sourdough discard is the portion of starter you remove during feeding. It adds tang and moisture to the dough. If you don’t have discard, you can use some plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute to mimic the tang.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! While mozzarella and parmesan create a classic combo, feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even spicy pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
How do I know when the breadsticks are done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust along with bubbly, browned cheese edges. The breadsticks should sound hollow when tapped and have a crisp exterior with a tender crumb inside.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into the dough adds layers of flavor. You can also sprinkle additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe enough for those moments when you want to bake something simple, flavorful, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. It’s a perfect blend of nutritional thrift—using sourdough discard—and indulgent cheesiness that will warm your home and your heart. Once you try these breadsticks, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re in for a treat!
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Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (24 breadsticks)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks offer a delightful combination of tangy sourdough flavor and melty cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and yield a crispy, cheesy treat that’s great for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano or Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour using the dough hook attachment, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for approximately 20 minutes, allowing it to increase in size.
- Shape the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape. Transfer this rectangle onto a greased baking sheet, preparing it for toppings.
- Add toppings: Brush the dough surface generously with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, dried herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses to create a flavorful topping.
- Second rise: Let the topped dough rise again for 15 minutes while preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C), ensuring it becomes light and airy.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the breadsticks develop a golden-brown color and a crispy texture.
- Serve: Remove the breadsticks from the oven, cut into strips, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a more pronounced sourdough flavor, increase the sourdough discard slightly.
- You can customize toppings by adding herbs like rosemary or spices like red pepper flakes.
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading, or knead by hand until smooth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven for crispness.
