Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Fluffy Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe: Baked Bliss

Crafting homemade sourdough cheesy breadsticks brings pure culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Crispy edges and gooey cheese create an irresistible combination that makes everyone smile.

Tangy sourdough starter infuses these delectable sticks with depth and complexity.

Simple ingredients dance together, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Warm, golden-brown breadsticks emerge from the oven, promising comfort and satisfaction.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a delightful finishing touch.

We promise these breadsticks will become your new favorite snack that everyone will request.

What Sets Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Apart

  • Rescue Leftover Sourdough: Transform your sourdough discard into delectable, cheesy breadsticks without wasting any precious starter.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese types, herbs, and seasonings to create your unique flavor profile that suits any taste preference.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in twisting the dough strips and sprinkling cheese, making it a fun family cooking activity that builds culinary skills.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that keeps everyone coming back for more crispy, cheesy goodness.

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Dough Base:
  • Sourdough Discard: Tangy starter that provides depth of flavor.
  • Flour: Core ingredient for breadstick structure.
  • Warm Water: Helps activate and bind ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Cheese and Seasoning:
  • Cheese: Melty ingredient providing savory flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic and zesty taste.
  • Oregano: Provides herbal and earthy undertones.

Additional Ingredients:

Binding and Finishing:
  • Salt, Sugar: Enhances overall flavor balance.
  • Baking Powder: Helps with dough rise and texture.
  • Butter: Creates golden, glossy exterior.
  • Extra Cheese: Optional topping for extra cheesiness.

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Tangy Dough Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend sourdough discard, flour, warm water, olive oil, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Work the ingredients until a soft, cohesive dough emerges. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and springy. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest and develop flavor for one hour.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Cheese Strips

Heat the oven to a toasty 400°F. Roll out the rested dough into a thin rectangular shape, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle the surface with your chosen cheese toppings:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated parmesan
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano

Fold the dough in half lengthwise, gently pressing to seal the cheesy goodness inside. Slice the folded dough into slender 1-inch wide strips.

Step 3: Twist and Transform

Take each dough strip and give it a playful twist. Arrange the twisted strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and add an extra sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the breadsticks turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Breadstick Tips That Keep Sourdough Cheesy and Crisp

  • Master Your Sourdough Technique: Ensure your sourdough discard is active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor in breadsticks.
  • Perfect Cheese Distribution: Grate cheese finely and spread evenly to create consistent melting and flavor throughout each breadstick.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Pat cheese dry before sprinkling to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy and ensure crispy edges.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different cheese blends like parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella to create unique taste profiles.
  • Achieve Ideal Texture: Roll dough consistently thick to guarantee uniform baking and prevent uneven browning of breadsticks.

How to Store Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Properly

  • Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Place cooled breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm breadsticks at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Wrap in foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
  • Zap breadsticks for 10-15 seconds for a fast warm-up. Add a damp paper towel to prevent them from becoming tough and dry.

What Works with Cheesy Breadsticks

  • Flavor-Packed Wine Companion: Crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly cut through the cheesy richness, refreshing your palate with every bite.
  • Dip-Tastic Sidekick: Marinara sauce or garlic aioli create an incredible flavor explosion, enhancing the sourdough's tangy notes and cheesy warmth.
  • Protein Power Partner: Grilled chicken or prosciutto transform these breadsticks into a complete meal, adding protein and complementing the cheesy texture.
  • Herb-Infused Salad Match: Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright, peppery contrast to the indulgent, cheesy breadsticks, balancing the overall taste experience.

Cheesy Breadstick Recipe Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cheese Sticks: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower or almond flour instead of traditional flour, and replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Swap oregano with fresh thyme, rosemary, or a mixed Italian herb blend for a different aromatic profile.

FAQs

  • Why use sourdough discard for breadsticks?

Sourdough discard adds depth of flavor and creates a tangy, complex taste that regular breadsticks lack. It also helps improve the texture, making the breadsticks more tender and soft.

  • Can I make these breadsticks without a sourdough starter?

You can substitute sourdough discard with active dry yeast (1 packet or 2¼ teaspoons). However, you’ll miss the unique sourdough flavor and slightly different texture that comes from using discard.

  • How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. When you stretch a small piece, it should form a thin, translucent “window” without tearing, indicating gluten development.

  • What type of cheese works best for these breadsticks?

Mozzarella and parmesan are ideal because they melt well and provide great flavor. Cheddar or a blend of cheeses can also work nicely, giving you more flexibility in taste and texture.

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Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mouthwatering sourdough cheesy breadsticks bring Italian pizzeria charm straight to home kitchens. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and tangy sourdough create an irresistible snack perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1/2 cup warm water

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)

Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust sourdough mixture by blending tangy discard with flour, introducing warm water, olive oil, salt, sugar, and leavening agents. Thoroughly integrate ingredients until a cohesive dough emerges.
  2. Methodically knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface, working it with deliberate motions until achieving a silky, elastic consistency. Transfer to a lightly greased vessel, envelop with a protective covering, and allow the dough to relax and expand for approximately 60 minutes.
  3. Activate the oven, setting the temperature to a precise 400°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the breadsticks.
  4. Transform the rested dough into a thin, uniform rectangular shape, rolling it to approximately 1/4-inch thickness with careful, even pressure.
  5. Generously distribute shredded cheese, aromatic garlic powder, and fragrant oregano across the dough’s surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  6. Carefully fold the dough lengthwise, gently pressing the edges to encapsulate the flavorful cheese interior.
  7. Slice the folded dough into slender, uniform strips, each approximately 1-inch wide.
  8. Artfully twist each strip, creating an elegant spiral shape, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with strategic spacing.
  9. Delicately brush the twisted breadsticks with melted butter, enhancing their potential for a golden, crisp exterior. Optionally sprinkle additional cheese for heightened indulgence.
  10. Slide the prepared breadsticks into the preheated oven, allowing them to bake for 15-18 minutes until they transform into a gloriously golden-brown delicacy.

Notes

  • Enhance sourdough flavor by letting the dough ferment longer at room temperature, developing deeper tangy notes and complex taste profiles.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella to customize the breadsticks’ richness and melting characteristics.
  • Transform into gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Create dairy-free alternative by using nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives, maintaining the same savory and cheesy essence of the original recipe.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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