These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are a tasty treat! Made with stretchy cheese and flavorful sourdough, they are perfect for snacking or dipping in your favorite sauce.
Honestly, I could eat these all day! They make a great side for soup or just as a fun munchie while watching a movie. What’s better than cheese and bread together? 🧀🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread Dough: Use either store-bought or homemade dough. If you’re short on time, I recommend the store-bought option. However, homemade dough has a great flavor and texture that you can’t beat!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is perfect for that gooey, stretchy texture, while Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor. If you can’t find Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. You can also mix in some cheddar for a different taste.
Unsalted Butter: The butter melds the garlic and herbs into the breadsticks. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, which still works well with the flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Just 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder will work. It’s a great time-saver for those busy nights!
Herbs: Dried Italian herbs bring a wonderful flavor, but if you have fresh herbs, they can be even better! Just double the amount of fresh herbs to dried ones for an extra burst of flavor.
How Do I Roll Out the Dough Correctly?
Rolling out the dough can be a bit tricky, but with some simple steps, you can achieve a great result. Start by sprinkling flour on your surface and on your rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Press the dough into a flat disc first. This makes rolling easier.
- Roll from the center outward, turning the dough a quarter turn after each roll to maintain an even thickness.
- If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again.
- A 12×8 inch rectangle should be about 1/2 inch thick for perfect breadsticks.
How to Make Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 lb sourdough bread dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, parsley mix)
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and rolling out the dough, and then you’ll bake the cheesy breadsticks for 12–15 minutes. It’s a quick and easy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step ensures that your breadsticks will get nice and crispy. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Take your sourdough dough and dust your work surface with flour. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches and about 1/2 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness so that the breadsticks cook uniformly!
3. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully move the rolled-out dough to your prepared baking sheet. It should lay flat on the sheet, ready to be topped with all the cheesy goodness!
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This garlic butter will add incredible flavor to your breadsticks.
5. Brush the Dough:
Using a brush or a spoon, evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the top of the dough. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible!
6. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the dough, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. The more cheese, the better!
7. Season the Breadsticks:
Finish off by sprinkling the dried Italian herbs evenly over the cheese. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to your cheesy breadsticks.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The crust should be cooked through and slightly crisp.
9. Garnish:
Once they are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the dried parsley flakes on top for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Cut and Serve:
Let the cheesy breadsticks cool for just a couple of minutes. Then, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut them into strips or sticks. Serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade sourdough cheesy breadsticks! They’re perfect for snacking or as a companion to your favorite Italian dish.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan provide great flavor and texture, you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Just keep in mind that the melting qualities will vary slightly with each cheese.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Without Garlic?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of garlic or want a milder flavor, you can simply omit it. The breadsticks will still be delicious with just the cheese and herbs. You could also try using garlic powder if you want a hint of garlic flavor without the fresh cloves.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Sourdough Dough?
Definitely! If you have a gluten-free sourdough dough, it will work just as well in this recipe. Just ensure to adjust the baking time slightly, as gluten-free dough can vary in cooking time.
