ByDavid
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These Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Breadsticks are the perfect appetizer for a college basketball tournament party. They’re fun, delicious and easy to eat!
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As far as I’m concerned, all of the college basketball games in March are kinda-like the Super Bowl, part 2. The games dominate the sports news for the month and a national champion is crowned at the end. But more importantly, March Madness is a great excuse to bring out all of the snacks and appetizers that normally appear during Super Bowl season.
Sure, maybe the tournament games don’t have as much hype as the NFL playoffs, but that’s no reason to skimp out on the snack food. If anything, that’s a reason to make even better appetizers. Like these Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Breadsticks. Holy cow, these breadsticks were amazing! Easy to make, even easier to eat, and really flippin’ delicious. In my book, that’s pretty much the definition of the perfect snack food for the big game…be it the Super Bowl or college b-ball!
Mozzarella Stuffed Breadsticks
I’ve had breadsticks on my mind for quite a while now. Then I stumbled across a recipe for breadsticks stuffed with cheese. Wait, what? Breadsticks stuffed with cheese? Yes, please!
Variations
I knew I had to make these…and soon! I opted for mozzarella since it melts so well, but any good “melty cheese” would also work here. I’m thinking the next attempt might use cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack cheese inside and Southwest spices on top. Use your imagination here…there are so many fun twists to this recipe!
This recipe includes the ingredients for making your own pizza dough, but you could certainly use store-bought dough if you prefer. (I just think homemade pizza dough tastes so much better!) While these Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Breadsticks are delicious enough to eat by themselves, I served them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
(In full disclosure, some of my breadsticks oozed melted cheese while baking. However, evenwith the couple of blowouts in the oven, the breadsticks still tasted awesome.)
Storing Leftover Breadsticks
Any leftovers of these Mozzarella Stuffed Breadsticks should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap lightly with aluminum foil and place in a 350°F oven for 6-7 minutes, or until heated through and cheese has fully melted. These breadsticks can also be frozen – just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Did you make this Mozzarella Stuffed Breadsticks recipe at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog) – I’d love to see your version!
Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Breadsticks
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Breadsticks are the perfect appetizer for a college basketball tournament party. They're fun, delicious and easy to eat!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 261kcal
Ingredients
- 4½ cups bread flour
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 3 Tbsp olive oil divided
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese in block form
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
In the bowl of a countertop mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the bread flour, water, salt, and yeast. Mix on low speed for approximately 3 minutes. Add 1½ Tbsp of olive oil to the bowl; increase speed to medium and continue mixing for 3 more minutes. (Tip: If necessary, add 1-2 Tbsp of additional flour after adding the olive oil.)
Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl, cover, and place in a warm (~85°F) location to rise for 60 minutes.
Turn dough out onto a floured countertop and fold several times, rotating 90° after each fold. Place dough back into an oiled bowl and cover. Let rise in a warm location for another 60 minutes.
Turn dough out onto countertop and fold 2-3 times. Cover loosely and let rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into 12 pieces about 4” long and 1/2”-3/4” thick.
Divide the dough into 12 equal-sized pieces (~1.75 ounces each).
Roll each piece of dough into a 2″x5” rectangle. (Tip: Loosely cover the pieces of dough that you aren’t working with to prevent them from drying out.)
Pat the top surface of the dough with water until dough is sticky to the touch. Place 1 piece of cheese lengthwise in the center of the rectangle. Roll the dough around the cheese, and pinch seams together to create a tight seal.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place mozzarella stuffed breadsticks seam side down on sheet pan. Cover and place in a warm location to rise for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil with the Italian seasonings, salt, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Gently brush the top of each breadstick with the olive oil mixture.
Bake breadsticks in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.
Looking for more tasty breadstick recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
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