Description
These Focaccia Breadsticks are a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian appetizer perfect for sharing. Soft and airy on the inside with a golden, crispy crust, they’re infused with garlic and Italian seasoning and topped with parmesan cheese for an irresistible taste. Ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, these breadsticks are ideal as a snack, side, or party treat.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 cup (237 g) water, warmed (about 110°-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Oil Mixture
- ⅓ cup (75 g) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Dough
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
Topping
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Combine yeast mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (110°-115°F), 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes, until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy.
- Prepare oil mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt until well combined.
- Mix yeast and oil: Pour half of the oil mixture into the yeast mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Add flour to form dough: Gradually add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour to the yeast and oil mixture, stirring until a dough forms that begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Let dough rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Place in a warm environment to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Pour the remaining half of the oil mixture into a 7×11-inch baking dish and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom evenly.
- Shape dough in baking dish: Transfer the risen dough into the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers to gently push the dough to the edges and create characteristic dimples all over the surface.
- Cut dough into breadsticks: With a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make 3 equally spaced cuts across the short side of the dough, then slice down the center lengthwise, resulting in 8 equal breadsticks.
- Brush and season: Brush the tops of the breadsticks with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Immediately after baking, brush the breadsticks with the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme can be used.
- You can store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Dimpling the dough helps create the traditional focaccia texture by allowing air bubbles to form.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the parmesan cheese topping or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian