Garlic Cheese Breadsticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Bread

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Cheese Breadsticks Recipe – Easy Homemade Italian Bread

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good snack with a kick. And honestly, is there anything more comforting than warm, garlicky, cheesy bread? I first made these garlic cheese breadsticks when I was craving something a little special during a rainy weekend, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and the aroma while they bake is just heavenly! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any breadsticks. They’re soft, fluffy on the inside, delightfully crispy on the outside, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy goodness. Perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or alongside a hearty bowl of soup. Plus, they come together pretty quickly – perfect when you need a little comfort food, fast!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing garlic cheese breadsticks:

• 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour) – about 120g
• ¾ teaspoon instant dry yeast – about 3g
• ½ teaspoon sugar – about 2.5g
• ½ cup lukewarm water – about 120ml
• 2 teaspoons olive oil – about 10ml
• 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese – about 30g
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter – about 15g
• ½ teaspoon oregano – about 2.5g
• 3 big garlic cloves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Maida (All-Purpose Flour) – Types and Substitutions

Maida is the standard flour for this recipe, giving it that lovely texture. But if you’re looking for a little more nutrition, you can substitute up to ¼ cup with whole wheat flour. Just be aware it might make the breadsticks a little denser.

Instant Dry Yeast – Activating and Storage

Instant dry yeast is super convenient because you don’t need to activate it beforehand! Just make sure your yeast isn’t expired. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer.

Olive Oil – Choosing the Right Quality

A good quality olive oil adds a lovely flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is great, but regular olive oil works just fine for this recipe. Don’t go for anything too strongly flavored, though – we want the garlic to shine!

Mozzarella Cheese – Variations and Flavor Profiles

I love using mozzarella for its melt and mild flavor. But feel free to experiment! A little cheddar or parmesan mixed in can add a nice twist. Low-moisture mozzarella works best to avoid soggy breadsticks.

Garlic – Regional Indian Garlic Varieties & Uses

Garlic is a staple in Indian cooking, and we have some amazing varieties! I prefer using the larger, more pungent garlic cloves for this recipe. You can adjust the amount to your liking – I love garlic, so I usually add a little extra!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, in a mixing bowl, combine the maida, sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast.
2. Gradually add the lukewarm water and start mixing. It will form a slightly sticky dough – that’s perfect!
3. Now, knead the dough really well for about 5-7 minutes. Add the olive oil while kneading. This makes the dough smooth and elastic.
4. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
5. While the dough is rising, let’s make the garlic butter. Grind the garlic cloves into a coarse paste. Melt the butter and mix in the garlic paste, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.
9. Now, carefully roll the dough up like a Swiss roll.
10. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
11. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into sticks about ½-inch thick.
12. Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
13. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and beautifully crusty.
14. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-knead the dough, or it will become tough.
• Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
• For extra crispy breadsticks, brush them with a little olive oil before baking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Garlic Cheese Breadsticks

Swap the butter for vegan butter and use a vegan mozzarella alternative. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Garlic Cheese Breadsticks

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to adjust the amount of water slightly to get the right consistency.

Spice Level Adjustments (Adding Chili Flakes)

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic butter. My brother loves this – he adds a generous pinch!

Festival Adaptations (Christmas/New Year Appetizer)

Shape the breadsticks into Christmas trees or stars for a festive touch!

Serving Suggestions

These breadsticks are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with a dip! Try them with marinara sauce, pesto, or a creamy garlic dip. They also pair perfectly with soups and salads.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of flour is best for these breadsticks?

Maida (all-purpose flour) is ideal, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

How can I adjust the garlic flavor intensity?

Simply add more or less garlic to the garlic butter. It’s all about personal preference!

What’s the best way to reheat leftover breadsticks?

Pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to crisp them up. Or, you can microwave them for a short burst, but they won’t be as crispy.

Can I freeze the baked breadsticks?

Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Enjoy these delicious garlic cheese breadsticks! I hope they bring a little joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. Happy baking!