Description
These artisanal sourdough breadsticks are crafted with a naturally fermented sourdough starter, delivering a flavorful, chewy texture with a crispy crust. The breadsticks are gently flavored with garlic butter for a deliciously savory finish, making them perfect as a snack or accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients
Sourdough Starter
- 1 tablespoon sourdough starter
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tablespoons water
Dough
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
Instructions
- Feed your Sourdough Starter: Approximately 12 hours before mixing the dough, prepare ½ cup (100 g) of active sourdough starter by combining 1 tablespoon starter, 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon flour, and 3 1/2 tablespoons water in a clean jar. Stir well, loosely cover, and let it rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface and sides of the jar.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup active sourdough starter, ¼ cup room temperature butter, 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar), 1 cup + 2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, and 4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose or bread flour. Bring the ingredients together with your hands, then turn the dough onto a clean work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and less sticky. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 8–10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl containing the dough and let it rise at room temperature until it has increased by about 50–70% in volume.
- Shape and Second Rise: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, approximately 80 g each. Roll each piece into a log to form breadsticks. Place 6 breadsticks on each of two parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space for expansion. Cover with clean tea towels and let them rise until puffed and increased by about 30%.
- Score and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks bake, gently heat 3 tablespoons butter with 2 crushed garlic cloves in a small saucepan to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Finish: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush each with the warm garlic butter for a fragrant, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use bread flour for chewier texture; all-purpose flour works fine as a substitute.
- Ensure the sourdough starter is very active and bubbly before mixing the dough to get the best rise.
- If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, lightly dust your hands with flour, but avoid incorporating too much extra flour.
- Allow sufficient rising times to develop flavor and proper texture.
- Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat breadsticks in a warm oven to restore crispness before serving.
- Prep Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
