These Herbed Garlic Breadsticks are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, adding a flavorful twist with their aromatic herbs and cheesy goodness. Whether you're serving them alongside a steaming bowl of pasta or a hearty soup, these breadsticks will surely become a family favorite.
The foundation of our breadsticks is all-purpose flour, providing the perfect texture and structure. Active dry yeast is the magic ingredient that gives the breadsticks their rise, while a touch of sugar feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. Warm water helps activate the yeast, ensuring a good rise. We use unsalted butter for its rich flavor, and salt to enhance the overall taste. The star of our aromatic mix is minced garlic, combined with dried oregano and dried parsley for an herby kick. Finally, a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese adds a deliciously cheesy finish.
These breadsticks pair perfectly with a variety of dishes. Try them with a rich tomato soup or alongside your favorite pasta dish. They're also fantastic for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar or even a homemade marinara sauce.
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in your flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a quick mix with a wooden spoon to get everything nicely combined. Next, slowly pour in the warm water and melted butter. Stir until it starts forming a dough — it should come together nicely, soft but not sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and here comes the fun part — kneading. Push, fold, and rotate the dough for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. You'll feel it change under your hands, becoming more pliable and less sticky, which is exactly what you want.
Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit in a warm place; I usually pop it into my oven with just the light on. Leave it for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. During this time, you can prep your garlic-herb mixture: mix minced garlic, oregano, and parsley in a small bowl.
When the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope shape and line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush the tops with more melted butter, then sprinkle your garlic-herb mixture generously over the top. Finally, add a good layer of Parmesan cheese. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until they're golden brown and smell irresistible.