Pizza Dough Breadsticks Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

This easy-to-make pizza dough recipe is perfect as a quick appetizer or snack. It combines the savory goodness of garlic butter with the melt-in-your-mouth cheese and a crispy crust. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza crust (such as Pillsbury)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions

1. Step 1: Gather all ingredients to ensure you have everything you need for this recipe.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough into an approximate 8 x 12-inch rectangle. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Pre-bake the pizza dough in the oven for about 10 minutes to give it a nice base.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
6. Step 6: Once the dough is pre-baked, brush it generously with the butter mixture. If you like, top it with shredded mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.
7. Step 7: Return the pizza dough to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the dough have started to brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, cut into slices, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/4 of recipe):

Calories	287
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	439mg
Total Carbohydrate	41g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	6g
Calcium	16mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	80mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Fascinating Story of Pizza Dough Breadsticks

Pizza dough breadsticks, a beloved snack and appetizer, trace their roots back to Italy, where bread and simple dough-based foods have been staples for centuries. Initially, they were born out of the same culinary tradition that created pizza: stretching basic dough, baking it, and enhancing it with simple seasonings. Unlike pizza, which focuses on toppings and sauces, breadsticks emphasized texture and aroma, often brushed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful accompaniment to meals.

Regional Variations

While originating in Italy, breadsticks have evolved differently depending on the region. In northern Italy, breadsticks are often thinner, crispier, and less buttery, served as a delicate accompaniment to soups or antipasti. Southern Italian versions tend to be softer, richer, and more indulgent, sometimes topped with cheese or herbs, which aligns closely with the style popularized in the United States. In American pizzerias, the breadsticks often become cheesy and garlicky, a perfect side to complement a main pizza or pasta dish.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

Although they share ingredients with pizza, calzones, and focaccia, pizza dough breadsticks are distinct in shape, texture, and purpose. Unlike pizza, which is a full meal with toppings, breadsticks are finger foods designed for snacking or dipping. Unlike focaccia, which is thick and airy, breadsticks are elongated and can range from soft to crunchy. Their simplicity in ingredients highlights seasoning and texture, rather than elaborate toppings.

Typical Serving Occasions

Pizza dough breadsticks are versatile and frequently appear in casual dining, Italian restaurants, and home kitchens alike. They are commonly served as appetizers with marinara sauce, cheese dips, or alongside soups and salads. At family gatherings and parties, they provide a quick, shareable snack that appeals to both children and adults. They are also a popular item for takeout meals, often accompanying pizza boxes as a complimentary treat.

Interesting Facts

• Traditional Italian breadsticks, called grissini, date back to the 17th century in the Piedmont region and were originally much thinner than modern American versions.
• In some regions of Italy, breadsticks are served at weddings as a symbol of prosperity and unity.
• The buttery, cheesy version popular in the U.S. often incorporates pre-made pizza dough, making it a quick and accessible snack for home cooks.
• Despite their simplicity, breadsticks offer a wide canvas for flavor experimentation, from garlic and herbs to Parmesan and sesame seeds.
• In terms of nutrition, they provide a balance of carbohydrates and protein, especially when served with cheese or dips, making them more substantial than typical crackers.

FAQ about Pizza Dough Breadsticks Recipe