Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks
Ingredients:
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 cup of warm water
1 packet of instant yeast (7g)
1 spoonful of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of the olive oil
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons of melted butter
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy.
Add flour, salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until dough is soft and elastic.
Place the batter in a slightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Extend the dough to form a rectangle on a flourished surface, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle evenly grated mozzarella cheese over half the batter.
Fold the other half of the batter over the cheese and then cut into strips about 1 inch wide.
Slightly rotate each strip and then place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and grease each breadstick. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian dressing.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes| Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 breadsticks #cheesestick #recipes #foodieoflemon8
Okay, so you've got the basic recipe for these amazing cheese-stuffed breadsticks, and trust me, they're already a hit! But if you want to take them from 'good' to 'OMG, I need more,' I've got some extra tips and tricks I've learned along the way to make your homemade cheesy breadsticks truly irresistible. First, let's talk about getting that perfect golden-brown crust and preventing cheese leaks. The key is in how you handle the dough and the cheese. When you're folding the dough over the mozzarella, make sure to really press down and seal the edges tightly. You want to create a little cheesy pocket! Don't be afraid to pinch and roll the edges a bit to ensure no delicious melted, bubbly cheese escapes during baking. Also, don't overfill them – a good amount of cheese is fantastic, but too much can lead to blowouts. For that beautiful golden-brown finish, brushing with melted butter (as the recipe suggests) is great, but sometimes I'll even do a quick egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) before the final butter and seasoning for an extra deep golden color. Now, for those of you who love to experiment, these stuffed breadsticks are incredibly versatile! While mozzarella is classic, why not try a blend? I sometimes mix in a little provolone for extra creaminess, or even some smoked gouda for a different flavor profile. If you like a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed with your garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top works wonders. You could also sneak in finely diced pepperoni, cooked bacon bits, or even some sun-dried tomatoes (make sure they're well-drained!) inside with the cheese for a 'pizza-style' breadstick. Don't forget, fresh green herbs like chopped parsley or oregano sprinkled on top after baking can add a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color. Serving these beauties is half the fun! While marinara sauce is a staple, try branching out. A creamy garlic aioli, warm cheese dip, or even a spicy ranch dressing can elevate the experience. They're also fantastic as a side dish for pasta night, alongside a hearty bowl of soup, or even as a simple, comforting snack on their own. They vanish quickly at parties, so consider making a double batch! Finally, for those who love to prep ahead, you can make the dough in advance and let it proof slowly in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also freeze unbaked breadsticks: assemble them, arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cook time. Reheating baked breadsticks is best in the oven or air fryer to restore that crispy exterior. These tips should help you achieve perfect, cheesy, homemade breadsticks every single time!
