Description
These Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are a delightful combination of tangy sourdough flavor and gooey melted cheeses, enhanced with aromatic herbs and garlic. Perfectly soft on the inside with a slightly crispy edge, these breadsticks make an excellent appetizer or snack served warm alongside marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Dough
- 150 grams water
- 100 grams active sourdough starter
- 12 grams sugar
- 24 grams olive oil, plus more for the baking sheet
- 300 grams all-purpose flour
- 8 grams salt
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Serving
- Marinara sauce, optional
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine 150 grams water, 100 grams active sourdough starter, 24 grams olive oil, and 12 grams sugar. Stir well to incorporate.
- Add Flour and Salt: Add 300 grams all-purpose flour and 8 grams salt to the wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly until no dry flour remains. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to hydrate.
- Knead and Rise: After resting, knead the dough a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Cover again and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 6 to 8 hours.
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Seasoning: Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Transfer the risen dough onto the greased baking sheet. Use your hands to gently stretch and spread the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Pop any large air bubbles that have formed during the rise.
- Apply Butter and Seasoning: Brush the surface of the dough with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, then sprinkle the prepared herb and spice mixture evenly over the top.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for an additional 1 to 2 hours until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the final rise period.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Once risen, sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan evenly over the dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges turn golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter to slice into sticks. Serve warm with optional marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for best rising results.
- Rising times can vary depending on room temperature; a warmer environment will speed up fermentation.
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the breadsticks cleanly without tearing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with other herbs like rosemary or thyme based on preference.