These Cottage Cheese Garlic Breadsticks are soft and cheesy, making them perfect for dipping! The garlic flavor adds a delightful kick that you’ll love with any meal.
They’re super easy to make, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy stick of goodness? I often make extra to snack on later—they always disappear fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a rich texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works, but it might be a bit less creamy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds cheesiness and gooeyness. If you can’t find it, feel free to use cheddar or a cheese blend instead!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your dough. If you want, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half the amount. It’ll add a little nuttiness and nutrition to your breadsticks.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is my favorite for flavor, but garlic powder can work too if you’re in a pinch. You could also use garlic salt; just reduce the regular salt in the recipe.
Fresh Parsley: I love the fresh taste it brings, but dried parsley can also be used. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Breadstick Shape?
Shaping the breadsticks can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Start by lightly flouring your hands; this will prevent the dough from sticking.
- Take a small amount of dough (about a golf ball size), and gently roll it between your palms to form a log.
- Then, flatten it slightly to form the breadstick and lengthen it to about 6 inches. The key is gentle shaping–don’t force it!
Remember, they’re supposed to be rustic, so don’t stress if they’re not perfectly shaped. The taste is what really counts!
Cottage Cheese Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (optional, can use all-purpose instead)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
- Marinara sauce or seasoned olive oil for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. After that, let the breadsticks cool for a few minutes before enjoying. Altogether, you can have these cheesy, garlicky treats ready to devour in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cheese and Garlic:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This cheesy mixture will be the star of your breadsticks!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if you’re using it), baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. This dry mix will give our breadsticks structure.
4. Form the Dough:
Slowly add your dry mixture to the cheese mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If it feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a little more flour until you reach the right dough consistency.
5. Shape Your Breadsticks:
Dust your hands lightly with flour and roll the dough into smaller sticks, about 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. Place each shaped stick spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Add Some Ooey-Gooey Goodness:
Brush each breadstick lightly with olive oil to give them a delicious crust when baked. Then, mix the melted butter with the chopped parsley and brush this garlic herb butter generously over the tops of the sticks.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm and cheesy cottage cheese garlic breadsticks with marinara sauce or your favorite seasoned olive oil for dipping. These are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Dig in and enjoy your homemade soft, cheesy, and garlicky breadsticks! They’re perfect as a side or a snack!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
While Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture, it alters the taste and moisture level of the breadsticks. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use it, but you may want to experiment with adding a bit more flour to maintain the proper dough consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
To store leftover breadsticks, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their softness and warmth.
Can I Freeze These Breadsticks?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked breadsticks. Let them cool completely first, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat to enjoy!
What Can I Use as a Dipping Sauce?
These garlic breadsticks pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or a herbed olive oil. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces—pesto or a creamy ranch dip also make tasty options!
