Crispy Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks are a simple and tasty way to turn your sourdough discard into a crowd-pleasing snack. These breadsticks come out golden and crunchy on the outside, with gooey melted cheese nestled right inside. The sourdough flavor gives them a nice tang that balances perfectly with the rich cheese and a sprinkle of herbs.
I love making these when I want something quick but impressive. Since they use sourdough discard, it feels like I’m cutting down on waste while still creating something delicious. A little tip I have is to be generous with the cheese and herbs—it really makes a difference and makes the breadsticks extra flavorful every time.
These breadsticks are perfect alongside a bowl of soup or salad, but honestly, I can’t resist eating them straight from the oven while they’re still warm. Whenever I bring them to gatherings, they disappear fast, and I always get asked for the recipe. They’re simple to make, fun to share, and such a warm, tasty treat for any time of day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This ingredient adds a gentle tang and helps keep the breadsticks light. If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can replace it with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar effect.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, giving structure without heaviness. For a healthier spin, try whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the breadsticks puff up and become crispy. It’s best not to skip them—without them, the texture might be dense.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for melty, stretchy goodness. If you want a sharper flavor, swap half the mozzarella for cheddar or Parmesan.
Herbs & Garlic Powder: These simple seasonings boost flavor. Feel free to customize with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you have them on hand.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Breadsticks Without Drying Them Out?
The trick is balancing moisture and crispiness while baking:
- Press the dough to about ½ inch thickness. Too thin means super crispy but may burn; too thick can get soggy.
- Brush the top with melted butter and olive oil. This helps develop a golden crust and keeps the cheese from drying out.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) so the breadsticks cook quickly, forming a crispy outside while staying tender inside.
- Watch the edges carefully—once golden brown and cheese bubbles, pull them from the oven to avoid overbaking.
- Let them cool briefly before slicing. This rest time firms up the breadsticks for easy cutting without crumbling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for spreading the dough evenly so breadsticks bake with a crispy bottom.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix sourdough discard and dry ingredients without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts accurate for the best texture.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing melted butter and olive oil evenly on top of the dough.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for slicing the breadsticks cleanly and evenly after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a bolder, tangier cheese flavor that pairs well with sourdough’s tang.
- Add cooked crumbled bacon or pepperoni bits inside the dough for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or basil directly into the dough to enhance aroma and flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking if you enjoy a bit of heat with your cheesy breadsticks.
How to Make Crispy Sourdough Cheesy Breadsticks?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. So in just about 25 minutes, you’ll have warm, crispy, and cheesy breadsticks ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the breadsticks won’t stick during baking.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms. Then, fold in about ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly throughout the dough.
3. Shape and Top the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Brush the top generously with the melted butter and olive oil mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake the Breadsticks:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly toasted.
5. Cool and Slice:
Remove the breadsticks from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled slightly, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch wide breadsticks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy sourdough cheesy breadsticks warm, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Sourdough Discard?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and stir well before using. This helps the dough mix evenly and results in better texture.
Can I Make the Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and shape the breadsticks, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just use about the same amount for best melting results.
