These Cottage Cheese Garlic Breadsticks are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor! Made with cottage cheese, they are a tasty twist on regular breadsticks, perfect for dipping.
Honestly, they disappear fast at home! I love to serve them warm with marinara sauce. You might want to make a double batch—trust me, they’ll be a hit! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe! Use either full-fat for richer taste or low-fat for a lighter option. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you’re in a pinch!
All-Purpose Flour: Perfect for breadsticks, but if you’re looking for a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour. Just note that the texture might be slightly denser.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for that nice rise! If you only have instant yeast, you can directly mix it with the flour—no activating step needed!
Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can work too! Just use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of fresh garlic.
Olive Oil vs. Butter: Butter adds richness, but olive oil is a great alternative if you want a lighter flavor. Both work well for brushing on top!
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Properly?
Getting the dough to rise can be tricky sometimes, but here are some tips:
- Make sure your warm water isn’t too hot. It should feel warm to your touch but not scalding, about 110°F (43°C) works well.
- Find a cozy, draft-free spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. An oven with the light on works great!
- Cover your bowl with a damp towel to retain moisture, which helps the yeast do its job!
Don’t rush this step! Waiting for the dough to double will give you fluffier breadsticks. You got this!
Cottage Cheese Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep time and around 15-18 minutes for baking. Additionally, make sure you allow 1-1.5 hours for the dough to rise. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours for delicious garlic breadsticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to help your breadsticks rise!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, olive oil, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture once it’s foamy. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing continuously until a sticky dough starts to form. You want it to be soft but manageable, so don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little extra flour if it’s too sticky.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 6-8 minutes. Continue kneading until it becomes smooth and elastic. Remember, a little flour is okay to prevent sticking, but keep the dough soft!
5. Let it Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. Shape the Breadsticks:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape, about 6 inches long, and place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
8. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a tiny pinch of salt. This mixture will give your breadsticks that delicious garlic flavor!
9. Brush and Bake:
Generously brush each breadstick with the garlic butter mixture. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and smelling irresistible!
10. Final Touch and Serve:
Once out of the oven, you can brush the breadsticks with garlic butter for extra flavor right before serving. Enjoy them warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip for an amazing treat!
Enjoy these soft, flavorful cottage cheese garlic breadsticks fresh from your oven!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Full-Fat?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cottage cheese will still provide the necessary moisture and help with the dough’s texture, but the flavor may be slightly less rich.
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and active. You can also try moving the bowl to a warmer spot. If it’s a cold day, placing it in an oven with just the light on can help create a cozy environment for rising!
Can I Freeze the Dough or Leftover Breadsticks?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it rise again. Leftover baked breadsticks can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results!
What Other Seasonings Can I Add?
You can customize the flavor by adding different herbs like oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices for a unique twist!
