Fail-Proof Pizza Dough & Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks

Is there anything more comforting and universally loved than a piping-hot pizza? It’s a food that knows no boundaries, uniting people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita, loaded with all the toppings, or somewhere in between, a good pizza starts with the foundation: the dough. In this fail-proof recipe, we’re not only going to create a delicious pizza dough but also turn it into mouthwatering cheesy garlic breadsticks. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will elevate your pizza nights to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Making the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a larger bowl, mix the flour and salt.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Creating Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface, about 1/2-inch thick.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the dough.
6. Slice the dough into strips, then transfer them to a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Variation:

Gluten-Free Option:

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the pizza dough. You’ll be amazed at how close the taste and texture can be to the traditional version.

Veggie Lovers:

Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, or any other vegetables you love to your pizza before baking.

Tips:

1. Be patient with your pizza dough. Allowing it to rise properly will result in a lighter and more flavorful crust.
2. Don’t be shy with the garlic butter for the breadsticks. It’s what gives them that deliciously bold flavor.
3. When slicing the dough into breadsticks, a pizza cutter or sharp knife works best.
4. Experiment with different cheeses to find your personal favorite combination.
5. If you want to add an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheesy breadsticks before baking.

 

There you have it, a foolproof recipe for pizza dough and a delightful twist with the addition of cheesy garlic bread sticks. Homemade pizza night has never been this satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it as a classic Margherita or trying out various toppings, this dough will serve as the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. The cheesy garlic breadsticks, on the other hand, are the ideal complement to your pizza, and they’ll disappear from the plate faster than you can imagine. So, roll up your sleeves, get your apron on, and let’s make a pizza night to remember. Share it with friends and family, and you’re sure to become the favorite pizza chef in your circle. Bon appétit!