There’s nothing quite as comforting as warm, cheesy garlic breadsticks fresh out of the oven. With a golden crust, gooey cheese, and an aromatic garlic-butter topping, these breadsticks are perfect as a side dish for pasta, pizza, or as a standalone snack. Simple to make and even easier to devour, these cheesy garlic breadsticks will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the garlic butter topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the cheesy topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to combine.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape the Breadsticks:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
- Transfer the rolled dough onto a greased baking sheet. If you’d like individual breadsticks, use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into strips (about 1-inch wide). You can also leave it as one large rectangle and cut the breadsticks after baking.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic (or garlic powder), oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the dough, ensuring each piece gets a nice coating. Be sure to save some butter for after baking!
4. Bake the Breadsticks:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the edges are crispy.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Once the breadsticks are out of the oven, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot breadsticks.
- Return the breadsticks to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Finish and Serve:
- After baking, brush the remaining garlic butter over the cheese-topped breadsticks for extra flavor and richness.
- Let the breadsticks cool slightly before cutting them into individual pieces if you made a large rectangle.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
Tips:
- For an extra cheesy treat, feel free to add more mozzarella or try mixing in some cheddar or provolone.
- You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for a pop of color and flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks on a pizza stone for an even crispier texture.
Enjoy your cheesy garlic breadsticks, perfect for any occasion!
