Focaccia Breadsticks Recipe

Introduction

Focaccia breadsticks are a delightful twist on classic focaccia, offering crispy edges and a soft, fluffy interior. Flavored with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warmed water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
3. Step 3: Pour half of the olive oil mixture into the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Pour the remaining olive oil mixture into a 7×11-inch baking dish and use a pastry brush to coat the bottom evenly.
7. Step 7: Transfer the risen dough to the prepared baking dish. Stretch it to the edges and use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
8. Step 8: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 breadsticks by making 3 evenly spaced cuts across the short side and one cut lengthwise down the center.
9. Step 9: Brush the top of the breadsticks with 1 teaspoon olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
10. Step 10: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: Immediately after baking, brush the breadsticks with the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh rosemary or chopped olives to the dough before rising.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
• Try substituting garlic powder with smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Make mini breadsticks by cutting the dough into more pieces for bite-sized snacks.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crisp. They can also be frozen wrapped tightly in foil for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast using the same amount. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour without dissolving it in water first.

How can I make the breadsticks softer?

For softer breadsticks, brush them with olive oil or melted butter right after baking and cover them loosely with foil while they cool to retain moisture.

Focaccia Breadsticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 93 reviews

These soft and flavorful Focaccia Breadsticks are a delightful Italian-inspired snack or appetizer. Made with a simple yeast dough infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, then topped with olive oil and parmesan cheese, they offer a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender crumb. Easy to prepare and bake, these breadsticks are great for serving alongside soups, salads, or dips.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 breadsticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Yeast Mixture

• 1 cup (237 g) water, warmed (about 110°-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Dough

• 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

Topping and Finishing

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

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the olive oil mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
3. Combine oil with yeast mixture: Pour half of the seasoned olive oil mixture into the yeast mixture and stir gently to incorporate. Set the remaining oil mixture aside for later use.
4. Add flour to form dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the yeast and oil mixture, stirring to combine. When the dough starts to come together, knead lightly until all flour is incorporated.
5. Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Place it in a warm spot and allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) so it’s ready when the dough is prepared.
7. Prepare the baking dish: Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 7×11-inch baking dish. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom evenly.
8. Shape the dough in the pan: Transfer the risen dough into the prepared baking dish. Gently press the dough to spread it to the edges of the dish. Use your fingers to create characteristic dimples all over the surface.
9. Slice the breadsticks: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make 3 equally spaced cuts across the short side of the dough, then slice lengthwise down the center to create 8 equal breadsticks.
10. Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the top of the dough with one teaspoon of olive oil.
11. Season the surface: Sprinkle garlic powder and ½ teaspoon kosher salt evenly over the top of the dough.
12. Bake the breadsticks: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the breadsticks are golden brown.
13. Finish and serve: Immediately after baking, brush the breadsticks with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian seasoning with freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a fresher herb flavor.
• Ensure the water temperature is between 110°-115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• For a crispier bottom, bake directly in a metal baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
• These breadsticks freeze well before baking—freeze the sliced dough covered tightly and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Adjust salt according to your taste, especially if using salted parmesan or different cheese toppings.

Keywords: Focaccia breadsticks, Italian breadsticks, garlic breadsticks, easy appetizer, homemade breadsticks