Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
For the Bread
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ½ cups + 2 tbsp | All-purpose flour | — |
| 1 tbsp | Dry instant yeast | — |
| 3 tbsp | Unsalted butter | Cubed, room temperature |
| ½ tbsp | Granulated sugar | — |
| 1 cup | Lukewarm milk | — |
| 1 tsp | Salt | — |
| As needed | Lukewarm water | For kneading |
| — | Cornmeal | For dusting |
For the Topping
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cloves | Garlic | Minced |
| 2 tbsp | Unsalted butter | Softened, room temperature |
| 1 tsp | Italian herb seasoning | — |
| 1 ⅓ cups | Mozzarella cheese | Grated |
| ½ cup | Parmesan cheese | Grated |
| — | Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Handful | Fresh parsley | Chopped |
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a bowl, mix the lukewarm milk, yeast, 2 tablespoons of flour, and sugar. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter, working it together until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the salt, then add the yeast mixture. Knead the dough, adding a little lukewarm water as needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Make the topping
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, softened butter, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Shape the dough
Sprinkle cornmeal over a baking sheet. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–8 minutes. Roll it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, transfer to the baking sheet, and gently press to fit. Cover and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
5. Bake the base
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the dough for 15 minutes.
6. Add topping and finish baking
Remove from the oven, spread the garlic butter mixture over the surface, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
Cut into breadsticks, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.