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To make my homemade cheesy breadsticks, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F) - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added spice) - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish) Each ingredient plays an important role. The all-purpose flour gives the breadsticks their structure. Active dry yeast helps them rise and become light. The warm water wakes up the yeast, while sugar feeds it. Olive oil adds moisture and flavor, making the breadsticks soft. For the cheesy goodness, shredded mozzarella is a must. Garlic powder and oregano bring a savory touch. If you like some heat, red pepper flakes are perfect. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and a bright flavor when you garnish. These ingredients come together to create warm, cheesy breadsticks that are hard to resist. You can mix and match some of the seasonings to make them your own. Let’s get ready to bake! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, we need to wake up our yeast. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir it until the sugar dissolves. Now, sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it becomes frothy. This bubbling shows the yeast is alive and ready to help our dough rise. Next, we prepare the dough. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of this mixture. Pour in the frothy yeast mix and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir everything with a wooden spoon or your hands. If the dough is sticky, add flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it feels soft and manageable. Now, lightly flour a clean surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. Once done, shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Carefully place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes over it. Generously add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Press down slightly to make sure the cheese sticks. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, score the dough into strips. Cut deep enough to outline the breadsticks but not all the way through. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and the breadsticks to turn golden brown. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen! To make the best cheesy breadsticks, focus on the dough. Start with the right texture. Your dough should be soft and a bit sticky but not overly so. If it sticks to your fingers, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Knead it for about five minutes until it feels smooth. This step is key to getting fluffy breadsticks. For added flavor, think beyond the basics. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano on top before baking. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick. You can also mix in some grated parmesan cheese with the mozzarella for extra richness. To ensure your breadsticks come out crispy and cheesy, pay attention to the baking process. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking. Brush the dough with olive oil before adding cheese and spices. This helps the cheese melt perfectly. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown color and bubbly cheese. If they look like they need more time, give them a couple of extra minutes. Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them set before you slice them. Enjoy your warm, cheesy breadsticks! Pro Tips Perfect Your Dough: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to achieve that perfect chewy texture in your breadsticks. Temperature Check: Make sure your warm water is around 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like Italian seasoning or garlic salt for unique flavor profiles in your breadsticks. Cheese Choices: Mix different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for a richer, more complex cheesy flavor. {{image_4}} You can play with flavors in your cheesy breadsticks. Different cheeses can add a new twist. Try using sharp cheddar for a bold taste. Gouda gives a nice smokiness. You might even mix mozzarella and parmesan for a rich flavor. Herbs and spices can also change the taste. Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the dough. Try adding rosemary for a hearty flavor. For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Garlic powder gives a great aroma. Use these add-ins to match your mood or meal. Dipping sauces can elevate your cheesy breadsticks. Marinara is a classic choice. Its tangy taste pairs well with melted cheese. You can also try ranch dressing for a creamy contrast. A spicy aioli adds a zesty kick that some will adore. These breadsticks work well with many meals. Serve them alongside pasta for a cozy dinner. They also make great appetizers at parties. Warm breadsticks will impress your guests, making them a hit. After baking, let your cheesy breadsticks cool for about 10 minutes. This helps them stay firm. Once they cool, you can store them. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. If you want to save space, stack them with parchment paper between each layer. For longer storage, you can freeze the breadsticks. Place them in a freezer bag and squeeze out the air. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your breadsticks and keep them crispy, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the outside crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. However, the microwave can make them soft. To avoid this, place a cup of water in with them. This helps keep moisture in check. Heat them for about 30 seconds, then check. If they need more time, heat in small bursts. Enjoy your warm, cheesy breadsticks! Yes, you can. To make gluten-free breadsticks, use gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum, as it helps bind the dough. Some popular gluten-free flours include almond flour, coconut flour, or brown rice flour. You may need to adjust the liquid in your recipe, as gluten-free flour absorbs more moisture. Making dough ahead is easy! After mixing the ingredients, let the dough rise as usual. Once it has doubled, you can punch it down. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. If you're out of mozzarella cheese, try using other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Each cheese brings its unique flavor. For a spicy kick, consider pepper jack cheese. You can also blend different cheeses for a more complex taste. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain that gooey texture. You now have all the tools to make great cheesy breadsticks. We covered key ingredients, simple steps, and tasty variations. You learned how to store and reheat them, so they stay delicious. Remember, the right texture and toppings make them special. Enjoy crafting your own breadsticks with unique flavors. With practice, you will impress family and friends with your skills. Happy baking and dipping!

Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks

Delicious homemade breadsticks topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and flavorful seasonings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
  • Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft and cohesive dough begins to form. If the dough sticks excessively, gradually add additional flour until manageable.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the top with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes evenly across the surface.
  • Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the seasoned dough, pressing down slightly.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, gently score the dough into strips, making cuts deep enough to outline the shape but not cutting all the way through.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and breadsticks are golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Slice along the scored lines to separate before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, breadsticks, cheesy