Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Breadsticks Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this sourdough breadsticks recipe! The moment you pull them from the oven, their golden-brown color and irresistible aroma will captivate you.
I love how the dough rises perfectly, creating a chewy texture with a delightful crust. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings, making each batch uniquely yours.
Whether you’re serving them with a meal or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to impress. I can’t help but smile every time I share these breadsticks with family and friends.
Trust me; you won’t want to stop at just one!
Ingredients of Sourdough Breadsticks
When it comes to making sourdough breadsticks, the beauty lies not just in the process but also in the simple yet delightful ingredients.
Picture yourself in the kitchen, the aroma of the sourdough starter mingling with the rich scent of olive oil and cheese. It’s a cozy scene, one that invites you to get your hands a little messy and enjoy the journey of creating something scrumptious.
Plus, these ingredients are likely things you already have on hand, so let’s explore what you’ll need.
Ingredients for Sourdough Breadsticks:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sourdough starter
- 1-4 tablespoons water (as needed)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional for extra flavor)
- 3/4 cup pepperoni, diced (optional for the pizza twist)
- 6 mozzarella string cheese (split lengthwise, also optional)
- Olive oil or non-stick olive oil flavored cooking spray (for greasing)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
- Sea salt (for topping)
- Garlic salt (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- Poppy seeds (for topping)
Now, before you rush off to grab these ingredients, let’s chat about a few considerations.
First off, if you’re like me, you may have a bit of a love-hate relationship with measuring ingredients. Just remember, baking is a science but also an art.
Don’t stress too much if you add a pinch more of this or that—cooking is all about experimenting and finding your flavor profile.
And if you decide to skip the pepperoni and mozzarella for a classic breadstick, that’s totally cool too.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so feel free to play around and make it your own.
Happy baking!
How to Make Sourdough Breadsticks
Making sourdough breadsticks is like initiating a delightful culinary adventure, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. You start with 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of your bubbly sourdough starter, which is basically your magic potion. In a mixing bowl, blend those dry ingredients, and then make a little well in the center. It’s like creating a mini volcano—how fun is that?
Pour in the sourdough starter and 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now, here’s where things can get a bit tricky: you might need to add 1 to 4 tablespoons of water, depending on how your dough feels. If it seems too dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a tablespoon or two.
Once it’s all mixed, knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it starts to feel smooth and elastic, almost like a soft pillow. After that, take a moment to admire your handiwork because it’s about to rise—literally.
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl (don’t forget the non-stick cooking spray), and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Now, find a warm spot in your kitchen and let it rest for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is the part where you can just kick back and pretend to be a master baker.
Once it’s risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and gently pull it into a 16 x 8 x 1/2 inch rectangle. Here comes the fun part: using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 10-12 pieces. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make pizza breadsticks, this is where you can add the 3/4 cup of diced pepperoni and fold the dough over mozzarella sticks.
Place these little beauties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them some space to breathe. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rise again for about 45 minutes. While they’re puffing up, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
When they’re ready, brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle on your favorite toppings—sea salt, garlic salt, or maybe even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair. Bake them for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown, and then serve them warm. Seriously, is there anything better than freshly baked breadsticks?
Sourdough Breadsticks Substitutions & Variations
Although traditional sourdough breadsticks are a delight on their own, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate their flavor and texture.
You might try using whole wheat or spelt flour for a nuttier taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Swap out the parmesan for feta or cheddar for a different cheese profile. Want a kick? Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or garlic powder into the dough.
For a sweet version, consider adding cinnamon and sugar, then serve with a honey dip. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your sourdough breadsticks turn out perfectly, I recommend keeping a few key tips in mind.
First, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly; this makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
Next, don’t skip the resting time; letting the dough rise properly helps develop those delightful air pockets.
When shaping the sticks, be gentle to avoid deflating the dough.
Also, feel free to experiment with toppings—garlic salt and sesame seeds work wonders!
Finally, if you plan to freeze them, bake them plain first; this way, they’ll be fresh and delicious when you serve them later.