These sourdough cheesy breadsticks are warm, gooey, and oh-so-addictive! Made with tangy sourdough and lots of stretchy cheese, they make the perfect snack or appetizer.
Honestly, pairing them with your favorite dip is a game changer! I can’t resist sneaking a few straight from the oven. Who could? 🧀✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: Use an active 100% hydration starter for these breadsticks. If you don’t have it, you could substitute with a store-bought pizza dough, but the sourdough flavor will be missed!
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for that gooey texture, but feel free to combine it with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese that melts well.
Butter and Garlic: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can swap for olive oil for a lighter option or use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
Herbs: Italian herbs add great flavor, but you could use any dried herbs you enjoy. Fresh herbs could also work, just use more since they’re less concentrated.
How Do I Get the Perfect Rise for Sourdough Breadsticks?
The first rise is crucial in developing flavor and texture in your breadsticks. Here’s how to make it work perfectly:
- Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before you use it. Feed it several hours before mixing into your dough.
- Find a warm spot for rising, like on top of the stove if you have the oven on, or a sunny counter.
- Cover the dough to avoid a dry surface, using a damp towel or plastic wrap helps with this.
- If the dough hasn’t doubled in size after 4 hours, don’t worry! Sourdough is unpredictable, so just let it rise until it does.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create delicious sourdough cheesy breadsticks that are sure to impress!
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Extra olive oil for brushing
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 4-5 hours, which includes 3-4 hours for the dough to rise and 15-18 minutes for baking. It’s easy—just let the dough rise, shape it, top with cheese, and bake! A perfect tasty treat with just a little patience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil and stir until mixed well. Then, add the flour and salt to the mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
2. First Rise:
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 3-4 hours or until it is nearly doubled in size. Keep an eye on it because the timing can vary based on how active your sourdough starter is.
3. Shape the Breadsticks:
When the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, stretch or roll out the dough into a rough rectangle, about 10 x 12 inches (25 x 30 cm) and about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Prepare Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the entire surface of the dough.
5. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, and then add the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Next, sprinkle with the dried Italian herbs, oregano (if using), and a little coarse salt for added flavor.
6. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the breadsticks out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into breadstick-sized strips.
8. Serve:
For an extra touch, brush lightly with more olive oil or leftover garlic butter before serving. Enjoy your warm cheesy breadsticks with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Your delicious, cheesy, and flavorful sourdough breadsticks are ready to be enjoyed! Happy snacking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives a great stretchiness, you can mix in or substitute with cheddar, gouda, or even a bit of feta for a unique flavor. Just ensure that any cheese you use melts well.
What if My Sourdough Starter Isn’t Active?
If your starter isn’t active or bubbly, give it a feeding to wake it up! Ideally, feed it a few hours before starting this recipe to make sure it’s ready. If your starter remains inactive, consider using store-bought pizza dough as an alternative.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After the first rise, you can shape the breadsticks and then cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before you continue with the toppings and baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
To store leftover breadsticks, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture before serving.
