Focaccia Breadsticks

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy appetizer to impress your family or friends, these Focaccia Breadsticks are the answer! They are soft, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine warm breadsticks fresh from the oven, brushed with olive oil and topped with garlic and parmesan. It’s comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing for game night, or just wanting to elevate your weeknight dinner, these breadsticks are a perfect addition.

The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip these up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have delicious homemade breadsticks ready in no time. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy fresh breadsticks without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these tasty treats; they make any meal feel special!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Endless Flavor Possibilities: Customize with your favorite herbs or cheeses for a unique twist every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Focaccia Breadsticks:

For the Dough

• 1 cup (237 g) water, warmed (about 110°-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75 g) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

For Topping

• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, grated

Variations

This Focaccia Breadsticks recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and toppings:

• Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Goodness: Mix mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the dough for an extra cheesy bite.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for some heat.
• Garlic Lovers Delight: Replace the garlic powder with roasted garlic for a richer flavor.

How to Make Focaccia Breadsticks

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture rest for about 5 minutes until it blooms. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast and ensures your breadsticks will rise beautifully!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Pour half of this flavorful mix into the yeast mixture. The remaining oil blend will be used later for brushing on top of your breadsticks.

Step 3: Combine Flour and Dough

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the wet mixture while stirring. It’s important to mix until everything is well combined; this helps develop the dough’s structure.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rise gives your breadsticks that lovely fluffy texture!

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While waiting for the dough to rise, preheat your oven to 450°F. A hot oven is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust we all love.

Step 6: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Pour the remaining oil mixture into a baking dish (7×11 inches). Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat the bottom evenly—this will give your breadsticks great flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Once risen, gently transfer your dough to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to reach all edges of the dish while creating dimples with your fingers; this adds character!

Step 8: Cut Into Breadsticks

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice through the dough both horizontally and vertically to form eight equal breadstick shapes. This makes it easy to pull apart once baked.

Step 9: Add Toppings

Brush the top of each breadstick with olive oil using a pastry brush. Then sprinkle garlic powder and kosher salt evenly across them—this creates an irresistible aroma as they bake!

Step 10: Bake Away!

Pop those delicious sticks into the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a little different!

Step 11: Finish & Serve Warm

As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them again with olive oil and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese while they’re still hot! Serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Now that you have this wonderful recipe for Focaccia Breadsticks at hand, I hope you’ll enjoy making them as much as I do! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Focaccia Breadsticks

Making Focaccia Breadsticks is a delightful kitchen adventure, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your baking game!

• Use warm water: Ensuring the water temperature is just right (about 110°-115°F) helps activate the yeast effectively, leading to beautifully risen and airy breadsticks.
• Don’t rush the rising: Allowing the dough to rest until it doubles in size is crucial. This step develops flavor and texture, making your breadsticks light and fluffy.
• Create dimples: When you press your fingers into the dough, it not only adds a lovely texture but also helps keep the breadsticks from puffing up too much in the oven.
• Brush with olive oil: A good olive oil brush before baking adds a rich flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown color we all love in freshly baked bread.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Besides garlic powder and parmesan, toppings like rosemary or chili flakes can add an exciting twist to your breadsticks.

How to Serve Focaccia Breadsticks

Focaccia Breadsticks are not just delicious; they’re also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas to make your presentation pop!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil can add a splash of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors.
• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle on top just before serving enhances the breadstick’s flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

• Marinated olives: Their briny flavor contrasts wonderfully with the soft breadsticks, adding an appealing Mediterranean touch.
• Roasted vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes offer a nutritious side that pairs well with the heartiness of focaccia.
• Simple salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the breadsticks.
• Dipping sauces: Try serving with hummus or a homemade pesto for an extra layer of flavor that’s perfect for dipping!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade Focaccia Breadsticks! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Focaccia Breadsticks are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow breadsticks to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They can be stored for up to 2 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each breadstick tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove breadsticks from the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap them.
• Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Focaccia Breadsticks.

Can I make Focaccia Breadsticks without yeast?

While yeast is essential for the texture of traditional focaccia breadsticks, you can explore baking powder as a substitute. However, the result may differ in flavor and fluffiness.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Focaccia Breadsticks?

To elevate your Focaccia Breadsticks, consider adding toppings like fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives before baking. Personalizing with your favorite flavors will make them even more delightful!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! For a healthier twist, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.

How long does it take to prepare Focaccia Breadsticks?

The total time from start to finish is approximately 90 minutes. This includes rising time and baking, making it a quick project for any home cook!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Focaccia Breadsticks brings joy to your kitchen! They are simple to make and bursting with flavor, making them a wonderful addition to any meal. Whether you share them with loved ones or enjoy them solo, these breadsticks are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!