Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks with Discard

Picture this: a warm, cheesy aroma filling your kitchen, a symphony of flavors dancing on your tongue, and the satisfying pull of stretchy mozzarella with every bite. These **Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks with Discard** are not just breadsticks; they are a culinary adventure waiting to happen!

Remember those days when you craved something utterly delicious but felt too lazy to embark on a complicated baking project? This recipe perfectly embodies those times, offering simplicity and deliciousness. You’ll love how easy these are to make, and they are absolutely perfect for sharing (or not!).

• Effortlessly transforms sourdough discard into a savory, cheesy delight with minimal effort.
• Boasts a delightful flavor profile, blending tangy sourdough with rich, melted cheese and herbs.
• Golden-brown and beautifully speckled with cheese, they’re a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
• These breadsticks are incredibly versatile, complementing soups, salads, or enjoying them as a snack.

Ingredients for Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks with Discard

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Sourdough Discard This is the key ingredient, providing a tangy flavor and unique texture. Use discard that is unfed and at room temperature for best results.

All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the breadsticks. You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.

Olive Oil Adds moisture and richness to the dough, as well as flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior taste.

Mozzarella Cheese Offers that classic, cheesy pull and mild flavor. You can also use a blend of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a more complex taste.

Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.

Garlic Powder Enhances the savory notes of the breadsticks. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Italian Herbs Provides a fragrant, herbaceous aroma and flavor. A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme works well.

Salt and Pepper Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks with Discard

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not overly wet.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin breadstick shape and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Brush the breadsticks with olive oil and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal results with these **quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks with discard**, melt the butter first, then mix all the ingredients in a stand mixer. Once the dough is ready, allow it to proof before baking to golden perfection. This ensures a uniform texture and taste.

Add Your Touch

Want to get creative? Swap out the mozzarella for provolone or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. You can even include sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean vibe.

Storing & Reheating

These **quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks with discard** are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm.

Here are a few tips to make your breadstick journey a total success:

• Don’t skip the proofing time! It’s essential for those light, airy breadsticks we all crave. A warm spot does wonders.
• Resist the urge to overbake. Golden brown is your friend, but burnt is your foe. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
• Use good quality cheese; it genuinely makes a difference. Freshly grated mozzarella melts beautifully and provides the best flavor.

(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading)

I once brought these breadsticks to a potluck, and they disappeared so fast! Everyone wanted the recipe, and my friend Sarah declared them “the best breadsticks ever!”

Conclusion for Quick Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks with Discard :

These quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks, made with discard, are a delicious and easy way to use up that sourdough starter byproduct. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack. The tangy sourdough flavor combined with the cheesy, garlicky topping creates an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a sourdough pro or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and enjoy the cheesy, sourdough goodness!

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FAQs :

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard for these quick cheesy breadsticks?

Absolutely! If you’re not a discard devotee (yet!), feel free to use active sourdough starter. Just remember, active starter will give you a bit more rise, so you might want to reduce the resting time slightly or dock the dough well with a fork before baking to prevent excessive puffiness. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure in the breadstick world! The texture might be slightly different, but the cheesy, garlicky goodness will still be on point. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for your sourdough dance.

What kind of cheese works best for sourdough discard cheesy breadsticks?

Oh, the cheese possibilities are endless! I’m a sucker for a good mozzarella and Parmesan blend for that classic cheesy pull and nutty flavor. But don’t let me limit your cheesy dreams! Cheddar will give you a sharper, tangier kick. Gruyere melts beautifully and adds a sophisticated touch. Even a sprinkle of feta can bring a salty, briny twist to the party. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the sourdough tang. Get creative and create a cheesy masterpiece!

How do I store leftover cheesy breadsticks (if there are any!)?

Okay, let’s be real. Leftover cheesy breadsticks are a rare and precious commodity. But, if you happen to have some survivors, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To revive them, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to re-crisp. You can also microwave them for a softer texture, but be warned, they might lose some of their crispiness. Although they’re best enjoyed fresh, a little reheating magic can bring them back to life!

Can I freeze these sourdough discard cheesy breadsticks?

You betcha! Freezing is a fantastic way to preserve these tasty treats for future cravings. Let the breadsticks cool completely after baking. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge, bake them straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This way, you can have a quick and cheesy breadstick fix whenever the mood strikes!