Name: Craigos Breadsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups warm water; 2 envelopes quick-rise yeast; 2 tablespoons sugar; 0.5 cup butter (melted (divided)); 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 1.5 tablespoons Lawry's seasoning garlic salt; 1.5 cups grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated cheddar cheese

If you’ve ever dined at a cozy Italian restaurant and savored the warm, garlicky aroma of freshly baked breadsticks, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Craigos Breadsticks are a delightful homage to that experience, bringing the warm, cheesy, and buttery goodness right into your home kitchen. These breadsticks are soft, perfectly seasoned, and oh-so-cheesy, making them the ultimate accompaniment to any meal or a fantastic snack on their own. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and trust me, they’ll disappear as quickly as you can pull them out of the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Craigos Breadsticks are not just any breadsticks; they are a culinary experience. Here’s why you’ll be head over heels for this recipe:

Quick & Easy: With quick-rise yeast, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: You can adjust the cheese and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible.
Perfectly Soft: These breadsticks come out of the oven soft and fluffy, ideal for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite dressing.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you start baking, let’s gather everything you need. Here’s your shopping list:

1 1/2 cups warm water
2 envelopes quick-rise yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted (divided)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons Lawry’s seasoning garlic salt
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Gear Up: What to Grab

Make sure you have these essentials on hand to make the process smooth:

Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for mixing the dough and a smaller one for melting the butter.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect breadsticks.
Baking sheet: A large baking sheet will accommodate all your delicious breadsticks.
Kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
Oven mitts: Safety first when handling that hot tray of breadsticks!

The Method for Craigos Breadsticks

Now, let’s get started on making these delightful breadsticks! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, quick-rise yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix in the Butter

Add 1/4 cup of the melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Reserve the remaining melted butter for later use.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and Lawry’s seasoning garlic salt. This step ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. You can use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Let it Rise

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Breadsticks

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions, about 12 to 16 pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin stick, about 6-8 inches long.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place the shaped breadsticks on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter, and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or simply enjoy them as is!

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to this recipe for a healthier version, consider the following options:

Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Reduce the amount of cheese or use lower-fat cheese options to cut down on calories.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat source.
Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor without added calories.

Cook’s Notes

Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.
If you don’t have quick-rise yeast, you can use active dry yeast, but the rising time will be longer.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices based on your preferences.
For a fun twist, try adding chopped herbs or spices directly into the dough for added flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Craigos Breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly make them ahead of time. Here’s how:

Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and shape the breadsticks, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
Freezing: You can freeze the shaped, unbaked breadsticks. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage: Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Save & Share

If you love this recipe as much as I do, don’t forget to save it for later and share it with your friends and family! Craigos Breadsticks are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends, these breadsticks are destined to impress. Happy baking!