Of course! Here’s a fantastic recipe for Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks that are soft, chewy, and incredibly flavorful. This recipe includes both a quick version using store-bought dough and a from-scratch option.
Quick Version (Using Store-Bought Dough)
This is the fastest way to incredible homemade breadsticks.
Ingredients:
· 1 lb (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or your favorite recipe), thawed if frozen
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
· 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
· 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
· 1/4 tsp salt
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
· Optional: 1/4 tsp garlic powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a rectangle about ½-inch thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. (Add garlic powder or other optional seasonings here if using).
- First Bake: Brush about half of the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is just set and starting to puff up.
- Add Cheese & Finish: Remove the par-baked dough from the oven. Brush with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again: Return to the oven for another 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Let cool for 2-3 minutes on the pan. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into breadsticks. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
From-Scratch Dough Version
Making your own dough is rewarding and yields an even softer, fresher result.
Ingredients for the Dough:
· 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
· 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
· 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
· 1 tbsp granulated sugar
· 1 tsp salt
· 2 tbsp olive oil
Ingredients for the Topping: (Same as above)
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
· 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
· 1/4 tsp salt
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella
· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
· In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
· Add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix on low speed until the flour is incorporated, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. (You can also knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes). - First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise (Optional but Recommended): Cover the shaped dough with the towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake and Top: Follow the same baking and topping instructions from Step 3 of the quick version above.
🍕 Pro Tips for the Best Breadsticks:
· Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake: Par-baking the dough before adding the cheese ensures the bottom gets crispy and the breadstick doesn’t become soggy.
· Fresh Garlic is Key: The flavor of fresh minced garlic is far superior to garlic powder alone. Use both for the best flavor!
· Cheese Blend: For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella (for stretch), provolone (for flavor), and Parmesan (for saltiness).
· Herb Variations: Add other herbs like dried oregano, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
· For Extra Soft Breadsticks: Brush the baked breadsticks with a little more melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This gives them a gorgeous shine and keeps them soft.
· Dipper’s Delight: Serve with warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a garlic alfredo dip.
Enjoy your incredibly cheesy, garlicky, and irresistible homemade breadsticks