1. Making the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preparing the Garlic Butter:
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. If you’re using parsley, you can add it to the butter mixture for extra flavor and color.
3. Assembling the Breadsticks:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and press it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Brush the top of the dough generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Baking:
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges of the breadsticks are nicely browned.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the breadsticks to cool for a few minutes before cutting into strips with a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
5. Serving:
- Serve Warm: Serve the cheesy garlic breadsticks warm, ideally fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Yeast Temperature: Make sure the water is warm but not too hot to touch (about 110°F or 45°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is great for meltiness, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar for a sharper flavor or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Garlic Adjustment: Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. For a milder flavor, reduce the garlic or use garlic powder.
Cheesy garlic breadsticks are not only delicious but also versatile, serving as a wonderful starter, snack, or side. With their perfect blend of cheesy goodness and aromatic garlic, these breadsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal or party. Enjoy crafting this delectable treat and watch them disappear almost as quickly as you made them!