Cheesy garlic breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, or a great snack on their own. They’re soft, buttery, loaded with cheese, and infused with the irresistible flavors of garlic. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious, cheesy breadsticks that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little warm water.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the dough is rising, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, and salt to the melted butter. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Shape the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the Toppings:
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the surface of the dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cut and Bake:
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic or add some garlic powder to the dough.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked breadsticks. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Cheesy garlic breadsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these breadsticks are sure to be a hit with their cheesy, garlicky goodness. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty recipe with your family and friends!