How to Bake Delicious Sourdough Breadsticks at Home
Are you ready to take your bread-making game to the next level? Look no further than this recipe for sourdough breadsticks. With a crispy exterior and chewy interior, these breadsticks are sure to impress even the most discerning taste buds.
But why bother with the extra step of using sourdough starter? I’ll let you in on a little secret – sourdough adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and complexity to baked goods that yeast alone simply cannot replicate. Plus, using a sourdough starter means you won’t have to rely on store-bought yeast, making this recipe cost-effective and sustainable.
And don’t worry, even if you’re new to working with sourdough, this recipe is accessible and easy to follow. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or pairing them with your favorite pasta dish, these sourdough breadsticks are sure to elevate any meal. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy sourdough breadstick recipe, this one is sure to impress! These sourdough breadsticks are the perfect combination of chewy and crispy, with just the right amount of garlic and parmesan flavor.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can make your breadsticks plain or add your favorite toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds or sea salt for a fun twist. You can even substitute the parmesan cheese with mozzarella string cheese for a cheesy variation that will leave you wanting more.
Another reason to love this recipe is the use of sourdough starter. Sourdough breadsticks are a great way to use up leftover sourdough discard, and they’re a perfect way to introduce sourdough bread-making to beginners.
These delicious breadsticks are simple to make, with minimal ingredients required. The dough comes together easily in no time and only requires a few hours of rising time before being molded into shape. And with tips for perfect results and variations on the recipe, this sourdough breadstick recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
So whether you’re looking for an easy weekend baking project or a tasty snacks for game day, this simple sourdough garlic parmesan breadstick recipe is one that won’t disappoint. With its crispy texture and savory flavor, these sourdough garlic parmesan breadsticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredient List
For the sourdough starter:
- 1/4 cup of sourdough discard or active sourdough starter
For the breadsticks dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 cups purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the toppings:
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds
- Sea salt, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
- Mozzarella string cheese
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ingredient list, it’s time to move on to the exciting part – The Recipe How-To!
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
To begin, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl until dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of active sourdough starter to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together and knead vigorously on a floured surface until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough.
Step 2: Proof the Dough
After kneading, place the dough back into your mixing bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Allow it rest at room temperature for around 1 – 2 hours. During this time, your dough will rise and double in size.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and roll out the dough to create a long thin rectangular shape. Cut them into small strips using a pizza cutter or knife.
Do you want to add some savory toppings? You can brush some olive oil on top of sticks and sprinkle some sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or any other topping you prefer.
Step 5: Bake The Breadsticks
Place your sliced ​​breadsticks on a tray lined with baking paper lightly coated in [olive oil flavored cooking spray]. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Congratulations! You have just made crispy artisan sourdough breadsticks! What’s great about this breadstick recipe is that you can be inventive with different flavors such as [garlic parmesan] or [cheese], or even turning them into sourdough [grissini]!
Don’t forget to check out our Tips for Perfect Results section so you can bake flawless breadsticks every time!
Substitutions and Variations
As a seasoned baker, I know that sometimes you need to change things up a bit. Luckily for you, this sourdough breadsticks recipe is very adaptable.
First of all, let’s talk about the flavors of the breadsticks. I love the combination of garlic and parmesan cheese, but you can use any cheese or spice you like. For example, try using poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or sea salt instead of parmesan cheese. You can also use olive oil instead of butter to make vegan breadsticks.
If you want an extra cheesy flavor, try mozzarella string cheese or adding extra parmesan cheese directly to the dough before baking. Alternatively, if you’re not a huge fan of cheese, simply omit it from the recipe altogether and enjoy a classic Italian grissini.
Lastly, if you don’t have sourdough starter on hand, don’t worry! This recipe can be made with active dry yeast instead. Simply swap out the starter for 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes in the warm water before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions for this recipe. As long as you stick to the basic recipe how-to and ingredient quantities, your sourdough breadsticks will turn out fantastic every time.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have freshly baked sourdough breadsticks in your hands, it’s time to think about what to serve them with. These breadsticks are versatile and can go well with a variety of dishes.
If you want to keep it simple, serve them with your favorite dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or spinach and artichoke dip. These breadsticks are also perfect along with a bowl of soup or salad. Their crispy texture adds amazing contrast to soft and creamy soups.
If you’re up for something more indulgent and flavorful, try pairing the sourdough garlic parmesan breadsticks with some spaghetti carbonara, chicken parmesan or lasagna. These hearty Italian dishes taste even better when paired with crunchy breadsticks.
For a complete Italian-style dinner, go for a cheesy option and pair them with an antipasti platter featuring salami or prosciutto, olives, pickled vegetables, and plenty of mozzarella cheese. Cheesy breadsticks make an excellent appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
If you have leftovers (which is doubtful), these breadsticks can be transformed into croutons for salads and soups. Simply chop the leftover breadsticks into small pieces then toss them over some greens or soups.
Remember that the options for serving these artisanal breadsticks are endless! The best part is you don’t need any special occasion to enjoy them – indulge anytime!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy baker, I understand the need to plan ahead and make preparations whenever possible. With these sourdough breadsticks, you can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later.
To make these breadsticks ahead of time, simply follow the instructions until the first rise is complete. Then, instead of forming the breadsticks and baking them immediately, cover the dough with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake them, take the dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before continuing with the recipe.
Once your breadsticks are baked, storing them is just as easy. Simply place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer than that, they can be frozen for up to a month.
Reheating these breadsticks is a breeze. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), arrange the breadsticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer crispy breadsticks, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer.
Whether you’re making these sourdough breadsticks ahead of time for a party or just trying to save some leftovers for later, they are sure to be just as delicious reheated as they were when they were fresh out of the oven.
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving a perfect outcome when baking sourdough breadsticks can be quite a challenging task, especially for novice bakers. Nevertheless, here are some tips to help you attain the crispy, crusty and perfectly chewy texture that you desire in your breadsticks.
To ensure your sourdough breadsticks come out right, you should use good quality flour for your recipe. Bread flour, for instance, works best in this recipe compared to other types of flour since it contains more protein that will give your breadsticks a better structure while baking.
Another essential tip is to use a sourdough starter that is active and at its peak performance. A bubbly, thick and creamy sourdough starter indicates high levels of yeast activity which are essential in providing the perfect rise and texture for your sourdough breadsticks.
It is also advisable to mix the sourdough starter with other ingredients, like the flour and salt, and let it sit for at least an hour before proceeding with the recipe. This process results in better gluten development in the dough leading to firmer structure and better texture of your breadsticks.
While shaping the dough into sticks, you should avoid applying excessive pressure as it squeezes out air pockets from the dough making them denser. Additionally, over-working the dough may lead to a tough and chewy texture rather than soft and chewy.
Adding toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds or cheese enhances the flavors of the sourdough breadsticks. However, it is essential not to overcrowd them with too many toppings as they may fall off during baking or make them too heavy laden.
Lastly, bake your sourdough breadsticks until golden brown, checking regularly in order to prevent over-browning. Once baked remove them from the oven immediately to allow them to cool and develop their crunchiness even further.
By following these tips, you’ll create crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside sourdough breadsticks that cannot go wrong!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this sourdough breadsticks recipe is a perfect choice for anyone who loves artisan bread and wants to try versatile variations of bread recipes. With the combination of flavorful herbs, spices, and cheeses like garlic, parmesan cheese, poppy-sesame seeds, sea salt, these crispy breadsticks are irresistible. And the best part? It is a simple and easy recipe that you can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen.
So why not give it a try? You can substitute or vary the ingredients to fit your taste and preference. For example, if you are vegan or lactose intolerant, opt for dairy-free cheese or skip on the cheese altogether. Also, you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
In addition to being delicious, these sourdough breadsticks are also economical as they use up discard sourdough starter which would have otherwise gone to waste. Plus, they make a great snack or appetizer that pairs well with almost anything from pasta dishes to soups or just enjoyed on their own.
Lastly, follow these tips for perfect results: use warm water when activating yeast or starter; ensure the dough rises in a warm draft-free area; don’t overwork the dough when shaping it into sticks; spray with cooking oil before baking for crunchiness; allow to cool before storing or freezing.
Overall this recipe offers so much potential for creativity and experimentation. So whether you want to indulge in cheesy garlic parmesan breadsticks or keep it simple with just sea salt and olive oil, this sourdough breadstick recipe is worth trying.
Sourdough Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sourdough starter
- 1 -4 tablespoon water (as needed)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Optional Pizza Bread Sticks
- 3/4 cup pepperoni, diced
- 6 mozzarella string cheese (split lengthwise)
- olive oil or non-stick olive oil flavored cooking spray
Optional Toppings
- parmesan cheese, grated
- sea salt
- garlic salt
- sesame seeds
- poppy seed
Instructions
- Blend together the dry ingredients in mixing bowl; make a well in the center.
- Pour in sourdough starter and olive oil and mix on low; adding additional water and flour as needed.
- Optional: Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
- Knead for approximately 6-8 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- NOTE: For Pizza Bread Sticks: Add pepparoni and grated parmesan cheese once the flour has been incorporated (approximately 3 minutes after kneading started).
- Remove from bowl and form into a ball and place in a bowl that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, turning once to coat the top.
- Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours (depending on your starter and the temperature of your kitchen).
- Turn dough onto floured work surface and gently pull (do not roll) into a rectangle approximately 16 x 8 x 1/2 inches.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into 10-12 pieces.
- For Pizza Breadsticks; Cut each stick slightly wider, place mozzarella sticks in the center of the dough and fold over to totally encase the cheese with dough. (See Note Below).
- Place sticks 2 inches apart on pizza peel (or back of pizza pan) covered with parchment paper.
- Cover with a damp towel and allow to rise until doubled, about 45 minutes(this will vary depending on your sourdough starter and kitchen temperature).
- Place baking stone in oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
- Bruh tops of dough with olive oil and sprinkle with preferred topping.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are light brown.
- Serve warm.
- Note: If you plan to freeze or serve later, bake plain,;cool on wire rack and store in plastic ziplock bag. Just before serving, brush tops with butter or olive oil and sprinkle on preferred topping and pop into a hot oven for a couple minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.