Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are soft, stretchy, and loaded with gooey melted cheese, making them the perfect side dish or snack for any meal. These breadsticks are made with sourdough discard, which adds depth of flavor and a tender texture without tasting sour. Brushed with garlic butter and topped generously with cheese, they bake up golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soup, or marinara sauce for dipping, these homemade cheesy breadsticks taste just like something from a restaurant, but even better.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm water or milk
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sourdough discard, olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This rise helps create light, fluffy breadsticks.

Step 3: Shape the Breadsticks
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently stretch the dough to even thickness.

Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the dough loosely and let it rest for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy. This step ensures soft breadsticks instead of dense ones.

Step 5: Add Toppings
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix melted butter with minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then brush evenly over the dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Slice and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and slice into breadsticks. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Variations

• Add cheddar or provolone for extra cheese flavor
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic
• Add cooked bacon bits for loaded breadsticks

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with marinara or pizza sauce
• Pair with Alfredo or pesto for dipping
• Enjoy alongside soups and salads
• Serve as a game-day or party appetizer

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise time)

Nutritional Information (Per Breadstick)

Approx. 190 calories – 7g protein – 7g fat – 24g carbs

Conclusion

Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are everything you want in a homemade bread recipe, soft, cheesy, buttery, and incredibly satisfying. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and a delicious way to use sourdough discard while upgrading any meal into something special.