These sourdough cheesy breadsticks are crisp on the edges, soft inside, and full of garlicky, cheesy flavor. They bake up golden brown with a slightly tangy aroma from the starter and a stretchy, melty cheese pull. They make a great snack, side, or party appetizer you can grab hot from the oven.
If you enjoy cheesy sides, try pairing them with a baked pasta — for example this cheesy baked orzo with vegetables makes a comforting combo.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 breadsticks
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving, makes 8)
- Calories per serving: 240 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Why Make This Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
These breadsticks are quick, flavorful, and use leftovers from your sourdough starter. The starter adds a mild tang and deeper flavor than plain dough. They bake fast, develop a golden crust, and the cheese becomes bubbling and slightly crisp at the edges. Serve them for movie night, a weeknight dinner side, or a casual party. They are forgiving and great for cooks of all levels.
How to Make Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
You mix the starter with flour and seasonings into a soft dough, knead briefly, roll it thin, top with cheese, cut into strips, and bake until golden. The process is simple: minimal kneading, little hands-on time, and quick baking. The garlic and oregano add aroma while the olive oil helps the tops brown and stay tender.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sourdough starter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil for brushing
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a work surface and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Have your cheese shredded and seasonings measured.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano until a sticky dough forms. Stir until there are no dry patches of flour.
Step 3: Cooking
Turn the dough onto the floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the surface. Cut the dough into strips (about 1–1.5 inches wide) and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each strip. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the breadsticks from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack for 5 minutes. They will crisp a bit as they cool. Serve warm.
How to Serve Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a yogurt-herb dip. They pair well with salads, soups, and pasta. For a party, arrange on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or grated Parmesan before serving for color and flavor.
How to Store Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Short term: Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes to refresh texture.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Use a well-fed starter for best flavor and activity. If your starter is very liquid, add a touch more flour to reach a workable dough.
- Don’t over-knead — 3–5 minutes is enough. Over-kneading can make the breadsticks tough.
- Roll the dough evenly so breadsticks bake uniformly. Thin edges will crisp; slightly thicker centers stay soft.
- For extra shine and flavor, brush with a mix of olive oil and a little melted butter before baking.
- If you like crispier cheese edges, broil for 1 minute at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose to add nutty flavor; add a tablespoon or two of water if dough feels dry.
Delicious Variations
- Garlic-Parmesan: Mix 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan with the shredded cheese and add 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Herb & Chili: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and fresh chopped rosemary or thyme.
- Pesto Twist: Spread a thin layer of pesto over the rolled dough before adding cheese.
- Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
- Veggie-Stuffed: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or caramelized onions under the cheese for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use unfed (discard) sourdough starter?
A: Yes. Many bakers use discard starter for quick recipes like these. If your discard is very thin, it may need a bit more flour to reach a workable dough. The flavor will be tangy but not overly sour.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can shape the strips and store them covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature for 15–30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Q: What cheeses work best?
A: Mozzarella and cheddar work well. Use a blend for stretch and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents if you want the best melt and texture, but it will still work.
Q: Why didn’t my breadsticks rise or feel fluffy?
A: This recipe uses minimal rising time and relies on the starter for a bit of lift. Overworking the dough, rolling too thin, or using a very cold starter can reduce puff. Slightly thicker strips and a well-mixed dough help.
Q: How do I reheat leftover breadsticks so they stay crisp?
A: Reheat in a 350–375°F (175–190°C) oven for 6–10 minutes. This restores crisp edges and warms cheese without making them soggy. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with a softer texture.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: You can try a gluten-free all-purpose mix, but texture will differ. Use a blend designed for baking and add a binder like xanthan gum if the blend lacks it.
Conclusion
These sourdough cheesy breadsticks are fast, flavorful, and easy to customize. They offer a warm, garlicky aroma, a soft interior, and golden, cheesy edges that everyone will reach for. For another take on cheesy, comforting sides to serve alongside these breadsticks, check this Cheesy Sourdough Breadsticks recipe on Amy Bakes Bread for inspiration and tips. Enjoy baking and sharing these warm, cheesy sticks with friends and family.
Print
Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp on the edges, soft inside, and full of garlicky, cheesy flavor, these sourdough cheesy breadsticks are a perfect snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough starter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a work surface and prepare a baking sheet.
- Mix the sourdough starter, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and oregano in a large bowl until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3–5 minutes until smooth. Roll out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle cheese, cut into strips, and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
These breadsticks can be served with marinara sauce or garlic butter. For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
