Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible allure of freshly baked cheesy garlic breadsticks, straight from your oven. This recipe offers an easy, step-by-step guide to creating these mouthwatering delights, perfect for any time of the year. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy these savory breadsticks whenever you desire, and even store them for later.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1 ½ cups + 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
1 tbsp Dry Instant Yeast
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, cubed and at room temperature
½ tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 cup Lukewarm Milk
1 tsp Salt
Lukewarm Water as needed
Cornmeal for dusting

For the Topping:

2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened at room temperature
1 tsp Italian Herb Seasoning
1 ⅓ cups Mozzarella Cheese, grated
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Salt and Pepper to taste
A handful of Fresh Parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a medium bowl, combine lukewarm milk, yeast, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and sugar. Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes, until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy and bubbly.
In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour and cubed butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the texture becomes crumbly, similar to sand.
Season the flour mixture with salt and mix thoroughly.
Pour the milk mixture into the flour and begin kneading the dough. Gradually add lukewarm water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
Once kneaded, place the dough in a clean, deep bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring the dough is entirely coated. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Topping:

While the dough is rising, mix the minced garlic, softened butter, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Shape and Pre-Bake the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Dust a baking sheet pan with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 8 minutes until smooth.
Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1-inch thick. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and gently press it out with your fingers to fit the pan.
Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and allow it to rest for another 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Bake and Add Toppings:

Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and brush the dough with the garlic butter mixture. Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

Once baked, remove the cheesy garlic bread from the oven. Cut it into sticks, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

These cheesy garlic breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for later indulgence. Enjoy your homemade cheesy garlic breadsticks!