Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Simple & Scrumptious Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Nothing beats the comfort of warm, crispy sourdough cheesy breadsticks fresh from the oven.

These golden, irresistible breadsticks packed with melted cheese bring a delightful twist to classic sourdough recipes.

The tangy sourdough starter creates a rich, complex flavor that makes every bite memorable.

Cheese lovers will adore the gooey, stretchy texture that melts perfectly into each stick.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality appetizer you can easily make at home.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully crisp, these breadsticks promise to become your new favorite snack.

Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Snack Appeal

  • Craft Speedy Snack: Whip up delicious breadsticks in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills needed.
  • Boost Flavor Explosion: Combine tangy sourdough, melted cheeses, and herb seasonings for an irresistible taste experience.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Create crowd-pleasing appetizers that work brilliantly for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses, adjust herb blends, or serve with different dipping sauces to match your mood and preferences.

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Ingredient Rundown

Main Ingredients:
  • Sourdough Discard: A tangy fermented mixture that adds complex flavor and helps develop texture in the breadsticks.
  • Flour: The primary structural component that forms the base of the breadsticks.
  • Yeast: A living microorganism that helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps combine the dough ingredients.
  • Oil: Provides moisture and helps create a soft, tender breadstick texture.
  • Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a creamy, melty topping with a savory and slightly sharp flavor profile.
  • Garlic Salt, Herbs, Seasonings: Add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the breadsticks.
  • Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and promotes better rising of the dough.

Steps for Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in stand mixer bowl.

Watch the mixture transform into a bubbly, frothy concoction within 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Add these ingredients to the activated yeast:
  • Garlic salt
  • Olive oil
  • Sourdough discard

Blend with dough hook until the mixture becomes smooth and stretchy, about 4 minutes of mixing.

Step 3: Allow First Fermentation

Transfer dough to a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Let it rest and rise in a cozy, warm spot for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Dough Surface

Gently roll out dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.

Carefully transfer to a greased 13×18 baking sheet, pressing and stretching to fill corners evenly.

Step 5: Layer Flavor Boosters

Generously brush dough with melted butter.

Sprinkle herb blend and seasonings across the surface.

Lavishly cover with:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Final Rise

Let dough relax and puff up for 15 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F.

Step 7: Transform into Golden Deliciousness

Bake on lowest oven rack for 15-20 minutes until edges turn crispy.

For extra browning, shift to higher rack during final 2 minutes.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut lengthwise, then slice into 12 strips on each side, creating 24 irresistible breadsticks.

Pair with marinara sauce or cool ranch dressing for dipping.

Cheesy Breadsticks Baking Tips

  • Ensure water is lukewarm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
  • Let sourdough discard sit at room temperature before mixing to enhance tangy, complex taste profile.
  • Use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for maximum meltiness and rich, golden-brown surface.
  • Bake on the lowest oven rack initially to crisp the base, then move up to brown the top evenly.
  • Crush dried herbs between fingers before sprinkling to release more intense aromatics and flavor.

Sourdough Breadsticks Twists and Styles

  • Gluten-Free Cheesy Sticks: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
  • Vegan Herb Breadsticks: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based mozzarella. Use olive oil instead of butter and add extra herbs for rich flavor.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Cheese Sticks: Substitute flour with grated zucchini and almond flour. Add extra cheese to maintain moisture and binding properties.
  • Whole Wheat Rustic Breadsticks: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty taste. Incorporate seeds like flax or sunflower for extra nutrition and crunch.

Serving Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

  • Party Platter Perfect: Slice these cheesy breadsticks into smaller bite-sized pieces for game night or cocktail gatherings, making them easy to grab and share with friends.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve alongside warm marinara sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or even a zesty garlic aioli to elevate the flavor experience and add extra excitement to each bite.
  • Meal Companion: Pair these golden breadsticks with hearty soups, fresh salads, or as a delicious side to pasta dishes for a complete and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness, or transform into pizza-style appetizers by adding extra toppings and quickly broiling for a quick snack.

Storing Cheesy Breadsticks Properly

  • Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain crispness.
  • Wrap cooled breadsticks individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality.
  • Warm breadsticks in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
  • Keep uncovered at room temperature for short periods, ideal for serving during gatherings or parties. Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can. Just dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy before adding to the recipe.

  • What is sourdough discard and can I skip it?

Sourdough discard is leftover starter from feeding your sourdough culture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with additional flour and water or use plain yogurt for moisture.

  • How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should look smooth, feel elastic, and not stick to the sides of the mixer bowl. It typically takes about 4-5 minutes of kneading with a dough hook.

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Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade sourdough cheesy breadsticks deliver a crispy, golden delight straight from Italian kitchen traditions. Melted cheese and tangy sourdough create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Sourdough Base:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard

Liquids and Leavening:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Allow mixture to become frothy and bubbly, approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Incorporate garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard into the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour using dough hook, kneading until dough becomes smooth and stretchy, roughly 4 minutes.
  3. Transfer dough to a clean bowl, covering with plastic wrap. Position in a warm environment and allow initial fermentation for 20 minutes.
  4. Gently roll dough into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface. Carefully transfer to a greased 13×18 baking sheet, carefully pressing into each corner.
  5. Generously brush surface with melted butter. Sprinkle herb blend and seasonings evenly across dough. Liberally distribute both cheese varieties over entire surface.
  6. Allow second proofing for 15 minutes while simultaneously preheating oven to 400°F.
  7. Position baking sheet on lowest oven rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges become crisp and golden. Optional: Shift to higher rack during final 2 minutes for enhanced browning.
  8. Once cooled slightly, slice lengthwise, then create 12 strips on each side, yielding 24 delectable breadsticks. Accompany with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure your sourdough discard is active and bubbly for maximum flavor and rise in the breadsticks.
  • Use warm (not hot) water when activating yeast to prevent killing the yeast and ensure proper fermentation.
  • Combine mozzarella and parmesan for a perfect blend of stretch and sharp flavor that creates an irresistible golden crust.
  • Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain similar texture and structure of the breadsticks.
  • Prep Time: 44 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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