Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Ingredients

1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast

1 tsp granulated sugar

3/4 c warm water

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp white vinegar

1 ½ – 2 c bread flour or all-purpose flour

Topping:

1 1/2 tbsp salted butter

2 cloves garlic minced

1/3 c freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/4 c shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl.

Mix ½ cup warm water, sugar, and yeast.

Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Until it becomes frothy.

Make the Dough:

Add the remaining ¼ cup warm water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar to the yeast mixture.

Gradually mix in 1 ½ to 2 cups of flour.

Until the dough comes together.

It should be smooth.

And slightly sticky.

Knead the dough.

For a few minutes.

Let it Rise:

Cover the dough with a towel.

And set it in a warm place.

To rise for 1 hour.

Or until it doubles in size.

Preheat the Oven:

Place a pizza stone.

Or an upside-down cookie sheet in the oven.

And preheat to 475 degrees F.

Shape the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough.

And stretch it out on a piece of parchment paper.

Into a rectangle about ⅓ inch thick.

Add Toppings:

Mix melted butter with minced garlic.

And spread over the dough.

Sprinkle with Parmesan.

And mozzarella cheeses.

Bake:

Transfer the dough on the parchment paper.

To the preheated pizza stone.

Bake for 8-12 minutes.

Until the cheese is bubbly.

And the crust is golden.

Serve:

Remove from the oven.

Slice.

And serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes:

To make these Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks gluten-free. While keeping their delightful texture. And flavor.

You can easily substitute the regular flour. With a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend. That includes xanthan gum. Which helps mimic the elasticity. And texture of gluten.

When mixing your dough. You might find that gluten-free flour absorbs moisture differently. So adjust the water as needed. You may need a bit more. The dough should be soft. And slightly sticky. But manageable. With this simple swap. Everyone can enjoy these irresistible breadsticks. Without worry!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe.

However, you may need to adjust the rising time slightly as instant yeast tends to rise faster than active dry yeast.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for conversion, usually using about 25% less instant yeast than active dry yeast.

Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time and reheat them later?

Yes, you can prepare the breadsticks in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.

Allow them to cool completely after baking, then store them in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

I’m lactose intolerant. Can I use dairy-free substitutes for the butter and cheese?

Absolutely! You can use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes in this recipe to make it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

There are many options available in most grocery stores, including plant-based butter and cheese alternatives made from ingredients like coconut oil, nuts, or soy.

How can I prevent the breadsticks from sticking to the parchment paper while baking?

To prevent sticking, lightly grease the parchment paper with a non-stick cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of olive oil before placing the dough on it.

This will create a barrier between the dough and the paper, making it easier to transfer the breadsticks to the oven and preventing them from sticking during baking.

Can I freeze the unbaked dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough for future use.

After shaping the dough into breadsticks, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze them until solid.

Once frozen, transfer the breadsticks to a freezer-safe bag or container.

When ready to bake, remove them from the freezer, place them on a baking sheet, and allow them to thaw and rise at room temperature before baking as directed.

How can I tell if the yeast has been activated properly?

The yeast should become frothy and bubbly after sitting in the warm water, sugar, and yeast mixture for about 5 minutes.

This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

If the mixture does not become frothy, it may mean that the yeast is expired or the water temperature was incorrect.

Can I make these breadsticks without a pizza stone or upside-down cookie sheet?

While a pizza stone or upside-down cookie sheet helps to create a crispy bottom crust, you can still bake the breadsticks on a regular baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Just preheat the baking sheet along with the oven and transfer the shaped dough onto it for baking.

How can I ensure the breadsticks are evenly baked?

To ensure even baking, make sure to preheat your oven properly before baking the breadsticks.

Additionally, arrange the breadsticks in a single layer on the pizza stone or baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for air circulation.

Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time for even browning.

Can I customize the toppings for these breadsticks?

Absolutely! You can customize the toppings according to your preferences.

Try adding different herbs or spices to the melted butter, or experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

You can also sprinkle some additional toppings like chopped fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

How do I store leftover breadsticks?

Allow the leftover breadsticks to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To keep them fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight.

After kneading the dough, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight.

The next day, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed.

I don’t have white vinegar. Can I omit it or substitute it with something else?

White vinegar helps to improve the texture of the breadsticks by strengthening the gluten in the dough.

If you don’t have white vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in the same quantity.

Alternatively, you can omit the vinegar altogether, but the texture of the breadsticks may be slightly different.

Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these breadsticks gluten-free by substituting the regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Follow the same instructions for making the dough, but be aware that gluten-free flour may absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

What are some recommended dipping sauces for serving with these breadsticks?

These breadsticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.

Some popular options include marinara sauce, garlic butter sauce, ranch dressing, pesto, or balsamic glaze.

You can also get creative and make your own dipping sauces using ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions.