There is nothing quite as comforting and delicious as warm, cheesy bread fresh from the oven, and this Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe is exactly that kind of treat. Combining the tangy depth of sourdough discard with a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, these breadsticks are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite pasta, these breadsticks will have everyone reaching for more and make for a truly unforgettable bite of homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, but together they create an incredible harmony of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, enhancing the dough’s rise, flavor, or cheesy richness to deliver that perfect breadstick experience.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly.
- Active dry yeast: The key to getting a fluffy, airy dough with great rise.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a lovely, foamy proofing stage and subtle sweetness.
- Olive oil: Adds tenderness and a subtle fruity undertone to the bread.
- Sourdough discard: Brings a tangy depth and complexity that makes these breadsticks truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure and chew to the dough.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for golden color and indulgent richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy heart of these breadsticks that brings cool creaminess.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
How to Make Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in your stand mixer bowl and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes beautifully foamy. This little bubble party signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough’s rise.
Step 2: Mix in the Main Ingredients
Add garlic salt, olive oil, and your sourdough discard to the yeast mixture. Then, gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour using the dough hook attachment. Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough that’s not too sticky to handle, which will give you that perfect chewiness in the final breadsticks.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your dough to a generously greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot. Give it about 20 minutes to rise—this rest allows the dough to gain volume and develop those airy pockets that are so delightful in every bite.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a neat rectangle. Then, carefully transfer it to a greased baking sheet. This step sets your canvas for layering on the buttery, cheesy toppings that will make these breadsticks irresistible.
Step 5: Add Butter and Cheese
Brush the dough generously with melted butter and sprinkle on garlic powder, your favorite herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan. This flavorful layer is what will create the golden crust and irresistible cheesy topping.
Step 6: Second Rise and Oven Prep
Allow the dough to rise once more for 15 minutes to let everything set and become perfectly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s ready to give your breadsticks that beautiful, golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheet on the oven’s lowest rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye for a crispy, golden brown top. This step locks in the gooey cheese and creates a crunchy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior.
Step 8: Slice and Serve Warm
Once baked, cut your bread into sticks using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, then serve immediately while warm. These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, with gooey cheese strings and that perfect sourdough tang shining through every bite.
How to Serve Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your sourdough cheesy breadsticks by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika for a pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of garlic butter or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring an extra touch of zing to each bite.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with warm marinara or creamy ranch dip, making them a fantastic appetizer or snack. They also complement hearty soups, robust pasta dishes, and fresh green salads, rounding out any meal with their savory charm and satisfying texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or parties, serve your Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin to enhance that homemade feel. You can also arrange them standing up in a tall glass or jar for an eye-catching presentation that makes grabbing a breadstick fun and easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover breadsticks (although that might be rare!) store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them relatively fresh and soft, perfect for a quick snack the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
Reheating
Reheat your breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes to bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese magic. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior nicely crisp rather than soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sourdough starter instead of discard?
While this recipe is designed for sourdough discard, you can experiment with fresh starter, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour and liquid to get a dough with the right consistency. Discard tends to be less active than fresh starter, which affects rise time too.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just combine the ingredients in a large bowl, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Can I use a different cheese blend?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap mozzarella and parmesan for other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for different flavor profiles. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep the breadsticks gooey and delicious.
How do I know when the breadsticks are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust that’s crispy on the edges and bubbly cheese on top. The breadsticks should sound hollow when tapped and feel firm rather than doughy. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes! Adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly to the dough before the first rise can infuse additional flavor. Just be mindful with strong spices so they don’t overpower the cheesy tang of your sourdough breadsticks.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else when it comes to cheesy bread. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm invitation to share good food with loved ones and indulge in a simple comfort that feels extra special. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and smiles!
Print
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (24 breadsticks)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are a perfect blend of tangy sourdough flavor and gooey cheeses. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they make an ideal appetizer or snack. Made with sourdough discard, mozzarella, and parmesan, these breadsticks are easy to prepare with a quick rise and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning or oregano)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot and allow it to rise for approximately 20 minutes, until slightly puffed.
- Shape Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle shape. Transfer this rectangle to a greased baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush the dough evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried herbs, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Second Rise and Preheat Oven: Let the dough rise again in the baking sheet for an additional 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks on the lowest oven rack for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and cut into strips. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute sourdough discard with a similar amount of active sourdough starter if desired.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped garlic or fresh herbs to the dough.
- If you prefer crispier breadsticks, bake a few extra minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and cheese alternatives.
