easy cheesy breadsticks

 

These breadsticks are now my favorite breadstick recipe.  So easy and it makes half a sheet pan which is perfect.  

easy cheesy breadsticks (mels kitchen cafe)

1 cup warm water

2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 to 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning

1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Place a baking stone on a rack in the lower third of the oven.  If you don't have a baking stone, use an over turned baking tray.  Allow the baking stone/baking tray to heat at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes before baking the breadsticks.

In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast and sugar.  Let sit for 3-4 minutes until foamy.

Add the salt and flour and stir together until the dough forms a shaggy ball.  It should be so soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Knead the dough (right in the bowl) 15-20 times. 

Knead and pat the dough one final time into the ball, cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 15-20 minutes until noticeably puffy.

Lightly grease a half sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray (or brush with melted butter)

Grab the dough from the bowl and stretch it out just a bit into a thick rectangle before placing on the sheet pan.  Press the dough evenly into a large rectangle in the bottom of the sheet pan.

Brush the dough with the melted butter.  Sprinkle with garlic herb seasoning.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dough followed by the Parmesan cheese.

Bake immediately or let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes for slightly puffier breadsticks.

Place the sheet pan of breadsticks directly  on the preheated pizza stone or over turned baking sheet and bake 15-17 minutes until the breadsticks are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Cut the breadsticks in half lengthwise and then cut into strips for about 18 breadsticks total.