Description
These adorable heart-shaped breadsticks are a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a warm, homemade touch. Soft, buttery, and lightly seasoned, they are the ideal accompaniment to any meal or can be served as a fun snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 12-14 inches in length).
- Shape each rope of dough into a heart shape by bringing both ends toward the center and curving them down to form a heart.
- Place the heart-shaped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not too crowded.
- Brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and baked through.
- After baking, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can add some herbs or spices to the dough before kneading for additional flavor.
- These breadsticks are best served warm and can be paired with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
- For an even softer texture, you can brush the breadsticks with a little more butter after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg