Garlic Herb Cheese Sticks Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Herb Cheese Sticks are a delicious and savory appetizer that will leave you craving for more. These crispy breadsticks are loaded with garlic, herbs, and gooey melted cheese. They are perfect for parties, game nights, or simply as a snack to enjoy with your favorite dip. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to make these irresistible cheese sticks that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Step 2: Adding the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
Starting from one end, tightly roll up the dough, like a jelly roll, into a long log.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into sticks, about 1 inch wide.
Place the cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each stick.
Step 3: Baking the Cheese Sticks
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sticks are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cheese sticks cool for a few minutes.
Variations
While this recipe is already delicious as is, you can add your own twist to the garlic herb cheese sticks. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy Cheese Sticks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- Three Cheese Sticks: Mix different types of cheese, such as cheddar and Gouda, with the mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- Herb and Tomato Cheese Sticks: Sprinkle dried or fresh chopped tomatoes and additional herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, over the cheese before rolling up the dough.
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder to the cheese mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste.
- Serve the garlic herb cheese sticks with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- If you prefer a softer texture, bake the cheese sticks for a shorter time.
- Make sure to roll the dough tightly to prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking.
Conclusion
Garlic Herb Cheese Sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the irresistible flavors of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy homemade cheese sticks that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious snack, these cheese sticks are sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these mouthwatering treats!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for any specific baking requirements.
2. Can I freeze the cheese sticks?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese sticks before baking. Simply assemble the sticks and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own pizza dough, you can find numerous recipes online or in cookbooks. Just make sure to let the dough rise according to the recipe instructions before rolling it out.
4. Can I use different herbs?
Yes, you can customize the herb blend to your liking. Feel free to use fresh herbs instead of dried, or experiment with different combinations such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
5. Can I reheat the cheese sticks?
Yes, you can reheat the cheese sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. However, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
