Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks – with Sourdough Discard

Welcome to Eatimi! I’m Olivia Hart — a home-cook who believes delicious food doesn’t need complicated techniques. Here I share easy everyday recipes, family meals, quick ideas for busy days and helpful kitchen tips to make cooking simple and fun. My goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy homemade food with joy, comfort, and love. 💛

Creating homemade breadsticks takes me back to my childhood, where the aroma of warm bread filled our kitchen. Those moments spent watching the dough rise and transform into something delightful instilled a passion for baking within me. Fast forward to today, and I still find immense joy in that process, especially when it comes to these quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks.

The best part? You can whip them up effortlessly with sourdough discard — a fantastic way to reduce waste while indulging in a cheesy treat. These breadsticks boast a chewy texture and a decadent flavour thanks to the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, with a touch of garlic and Italian herbs that bring everything together. Let’s dive into this easy and satisfying recipe that will make your snack time or dinner more special.

Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

Fundamentals

Before diving into making your quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks, it’s essential to grasp the basic concepts. This recipe relies on a few key ingredients to achieve that perfect balance of flavours and textures. The fermentation process from sourdough discard adds depth, creating a unique taste that you simply cannot replicate with store-bought dough.

Yeast plays a critical role in creating the light, airy structure for your breadsticks. By activating the yeast with warm water and a touch of sugar, you set the stage for the dough to rise beautifully. The inclusion of garlic salt and other Italian seasonings enhances the overall flavour profile, making these breadsticks an excellent addition to any meal or as a standalone snack.

Preparation/setup

To get started, gather your ingredients and tools. The simplicity of this recipe means you won’t need a lot of fancy kitchen equipment. A large bowl, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet will suffice. Ensuring your environment is warm encourages the yeast to work its magic, allowing the dough to rise appropriately.

Begin by activating the yeast with warm water and sugar. This process typically takes about 5–10 minutes, during which time you can prepare your other ingredients. While you wait, measure out your flour and chop any herbs if needed. Once the yeast foams and bubbles, it’s time to mix it with the sourdough discard, garlic salt, and olive oil.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup sourdough discard
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard. Then, add the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms, and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Roll out the dough, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
8. Cut into breadstick shapes and place on a baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and melted.

Technique

The technique for making these quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks doesn’t require any professional baking skills. Patience and a little bit of elbow grease go a long way here. Kneading the dough allows the gluten to develop, resulting in a pleasant chewiness and structure in your final product.

Spread the ingredients evenly while rolling out the dough; this guarantees that each breadstick comes out fully flavoured and cheesy. If you prefer a more rustic look, feel free to cut your breadsticks into various shapes and sizes.

Tips/tricks

Keep these tips in mind when preparing your breadsticks:

• Ensure your water temperature is just right. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it sufficiently.
• If your dough appears to be too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour as you knead. This can help achieve the right consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations or herbs based on your preferences. For instance, adding some chilli flakes gives the breadsticks a delightful kick.

Perfecting results

Perfecting your quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks may take a bit of trial and error. However, each attempt allows you to learn and refine your technique. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

After you’ve rolled the dough and topped it with cheeses, try storing them in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This additional chilling time can help the breadsticks maintain their shape while baking.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your breadsticks don’t rise as expected, check your yeast freshness. Active dry yeast can lose potency over time, leading to flat breadsticks. Ensure you store your yeast correctly and use it before the expiration date.

Consider different flavour profiles by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or jalapeños into your dough for added excitement. It’s an easy way to elevate a basic recipe.

Serving/presentation

These quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks should come out of the oven golden brown and irresistibly aromatic. For presentation, serve them warm directly from the baking sheet, or arrange them on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

The combination of melted mozzarella and crisp edges creates a delightful experience. These breadsticks are perfect for family gatherings, game days, or as a tasty snack.

Pairings/storage

These cheesy delights pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or as a side to hearty soups and stews. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Just reheat them in the oven before serving to revive their crispy texture.

Conclusion

The delightful experience of crafting these quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks gives a cheerful moment in any kitchen. Rich in flavour, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion, these breadsticks celebrate the joy of cooking and the deliciousness of homemade food. Enjoy the process and share these delightful treats with your loved ones. They’re sure to become a favourite in your recipe collection!

Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

Delicious homemade breadsticks made with sourdough discard, featuring mozzarella, parmesan, and aromatic herbs for an irresistible snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

Breadstick Dough

• 3/4 cup warm water Water should be warm, not hot.
• 1 tsp yeast Active dry yeast recommended.
• 1 tsp sugar Used to activate the yeast.
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup sourdough discard Use any leftover sourdough discard.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Toppings and Seasonings

• 2 tbsp melted butter For brushing on the dough.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Method 

Preparation

1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix garlic salt, olive oil, and sourdough discard. Then, add the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually mix in flour until a dough forms, and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the dough, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
4. Cut into breadstick shapes and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and melted.

Notes

For variations, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or jalapeños to the dough for added flavor.