Intermediate breadstick recipes with variations

Parmesan and Garlic Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, adding the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough during the mixing process.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, brushing them with melted butter before baking.
3. Once baked, brush the warm breadsticks with additional melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Savoury Herb and Cheese Twists

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and basil)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, adding the dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough during the mixing process.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, twisting each rope of dough before placing it on the baking sheet.
3. Bake as directed, until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Advanced techniques for making gourmet breadsticks

Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, adding the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the dough during the mixing process.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, making sure to seal the sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese inside each breadstick.
3. Bake as directed, until the breadsticks are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, omitting the salt from the dough.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, but instead of brushing them with olive oil, dip each breadstick in a solution of warm water and baking soda.
   This will give them a pretzel-like texture and taste.
3. Bake as directed, until the breadsticks are golden brown and crispy.
4. While still warm, brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Recipe For Gluten Free and Keto Breadsticks

Ingredients:

• ½ cup shredded Mozzarella
• ½ cup Almond Flour
• 1 tsp minced Garlic
• 1 Tbsp chopped Parsley
• 1 Egg Yolk

Instructions:

1. Blend all the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Lightly knead the mixture into a smooth dough.
3. Divide the dough into even-sized balls then roll each out into sticks.
4. Put the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 6-8 minutes at 200℃ (400℉)

Tips for perfectly shaped and flavoured breadsticks

• Measure ingredients accurately:
  Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise measurements, especially for flour, as it can greatly affect the texture of the breadsticks.
• Knead the dough thoroughly:
  Proper kneading develops gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic dough. Knead for at least 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and springs back when pressed.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place:
  Yeast needs warmth to activate and rise, so find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to double in size.
  Covering the bowl with a clean kitchen towel helps create a warm environment.
• Experiment with flavours:
  Don't be afraid to get creative with your breadstick seasonings. Add herbs, spices, cheese, or even dried fruits for a unique twist.
• Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for shaping:
  To achieve evenly shaped breadsticks, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into ropes.
  This will give you more control and precision.
• Brush with oil or melted butter:
  Brushing the breadsticks with olive oil or melted butter before baking adds flavour and helps achieve a golden brown crust.
• Season generously:
  Don't be shy when it comes to seasoning your breadsticks.
  Sprinkle with salt, herbs, cheese, or any other seasonings while the breadsticks are still warm to ensure maximum flavour absorption.

Serving suggestions and dips for breadsticks

• Marinara sauce:
  Classic breadsticks pair perfectly with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
  The tangy tomato flavours complement the breadsticks' savoury goodness.
• Garlic butter:
  Melt some butter and mix in minced garlic and herbs for a rich and flavourful dip.
• Cheese dip:
  Prepare a cheesy dip by melting your favourite cheeses with a bit of milk or cream.
  Add some spices or herbs for an extra kick.
• Hummus:
  For a healthier option, serve your breadsticks with a side of hummus.
  The creamy texture and savoury flavour of hummus make it an excellent accompaniment to breadsticks.
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar:
  Create a simple yet elegant dipping sauce by combining extra virgin olive oil with aged balsamic vinegar.
  Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra taste.

Troubleshooting common breadstick baking issues

• Dense breadsticks:
  If your breadsticks turn out dense and heavy, it may be due to over-kneading the dough or using too much flour. Ensure that you're kneading just until the dough is smooth and elastic, and use the recommended amount of flour.
• Flat breadsticks:
  Flat breadsticks can result from not allowing the dough to rise properly. Make sure you let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size before shaping and baking.
• Burnt breadsticks:
  If your breadsticks are consistently burning, try lowering the oven temperature or reducing the baking time. Keep a close eye on them during baking to avoid overcooking.
• Unevenly shaped breadsticks:
  To achieve even shapes, make sure you're cutting the dough into equal-sized portions and rolling them into ropes of the same thickness. Using a ruler or measuring tape can help ensure consistency.

Conclusion and final thoughts