Parmesan Breadsticks

Now that I’m much more comfortable working with yeast, I’m able to make doughs from scratch without any hesitation. I also love the homemade flavor over those processed and packaged doughs, specially pizza dough. Whenever I do make pizza dough, I tend to divide the dough up in 4 so that I can make individual pizzas at a moment’s notice or have just enough to make a few homemade breadsticks to pair with dinner. Tonight, I used this dough recipe to make a few homemade Parmesan breadsticks…

4-4 1/4 cups all-purpose white flour, divided
2 packages Rapid-Rise yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 3/4 cups water
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

In a food processor, combine 4 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar.

Heat 1 1/2 cups water and oil to 125 to 130°F. With the motor running, gradually add the hot liquid.

Process, adding up to 2 tablespoons cold water until the dough forms a ball, then process for 1 minute to knead.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, cover with plastic and let rest for 10 minutes.

*Alternatively, you can use your SLOW COOKER/CROCKPOT to help proof the dough! Fill your slow cooker halfway with water and set to the low setting (which will heat the water to about 200ºF). Put the lid on upside down, lay a dishtowel on top, then set your covered bowl of dough on top. The radiant heat from the hot water will help the bread to rise.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Once the dough has rested, take a small portion of the dough and flatten out into a rectangle.

Using a sharp knive, cut strips of dough; twist and place onto a baking sheet or pan.

Spray the strips of dough with cooking spray and sprinkle shredded parmesan (or your preferred cheese) over the tops.

Place the baking sheet/pan into the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the breadsticks puff up and turn lightly golden. Remove and serve hot.

* Feel free to make the breadsticks as thick or thin as you wish… and don’t be afraid to be creative with how you season them! If you don’t like cheese, why not try them with various spices or dried herbs?

* You can also make this using whole wheat flour!