Sunday, April 10, 2011

Easy Soft Parmesan Breadsticks


     I bought my bread machine years ago, when they were very much in vogue. I made bread in it a few times, and then it gathered dust. Why? I really wasn't happy with the loaves it made. I didn't like the shape, for one thing, and I also wasn't happy with the crust. I finally put it away  and it sat in a cupboard, neglected.

     Last summer, when I was determined to clear my house of things not needed, my bread machine got pulled out of the cupboard and put in the "donate" box. For several days I walked by it and finally I pulled it out, dusted it off, and decided to give it another chance. I discovered that while I didn't love the loaves it made, it was a great dough machine!

     While I do love the therapeutic value of mixing and kneading bread dough by hand, sometimes my life needs the convenience of being able to put my dough ingredients in the bread machine and not worry about it until it's ready to shape. One evening last week I got home late from working at the thrift shop. I had signed up to bring bread to work for a salad luncheon at school, and I also needed to bake muffins to go with a story my class was reading the next day. It was so nice to be able to put ingredients into my bread machine and then make my muffins while my dough was being treated to a lovely massage in a heated spa.

     If you don't have a bread machine, you can still make these breadsticks the traditional way. You just won't have the thumping noise in the background. :) Try them dipped in marinara, a good olive oil, or just enjoy them plain. This dough also makes a great pizza crust!

Soft Parmesan Breadsticks
adapted from this recipe on Allrecipes
Ingredients:
1 1/8 cups of water (70-80 degrees F)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 Tablespoons butter, melted (more if you want to brush some on the breadsticks when they come out of the oven)

Directions:
  • In the pan of your bread machine, add first seven ingredients (all but melted butter) in the order your bread machine manufacturer suggests. Select dough setting.
  • When cycle is complete, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 20 pieces, roughly the same size.
  • Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Dip rope into melted butter, fold in half lengthwise and twist. Put the twisted rope on a greased baking sheet. Repeat for each piece of dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Variation: The original recipe called for adding 1 Tablespoon of garlic powder and 3/4 teaspoon of fresh minced basil to the bread machine when you are making your dough. I wanted a plain breadstick this time, so I didn't add these. The recipe reviews for these with the added seasonings were very good, though.

44 comments:

  1. Your breadstick looks great! I love my bread machine. I would usually let the machine do the hard work for me, then continue on when the dough is ready, as I prefer to bake in the oven. I cannot imagine my kitchen without this wonderful machine! It definitely saves time, as I find that kneading my hand requires much effort and very tiring! :)

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  2. i can't believe that i wasn't following your blog!
    i just now realized. ggeeez, what is wrong with me? definitely following now :)
    i've been thinking about buying a bread machine because it would save so much time, but i just can't bring myself around to it because i can just imagine it gathering dust like yours.
    it looks like this bread turned out wonderfully!! so yummy!

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  3. Hmmm, those sound delicious. And they look nice and fluffy and soft...yum.

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  4. Your breadsticks look great! I agree with what you said about the BM, mine is primarily used to make pizza dough-glad I have it though:@)

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  5. I'm so glad you found a use for your old machine! These breadsticks looks fantastic...I much prefer the soft to the crunchy kind!

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  6. Wow- that does look easy they do look so incredibly soft and I can just taste the goodiness of all the Parmesan! I love this recipe. I am with Joanne- i much rather soft than hard breadsticks. I dont go for the think cracker type breadsticks you find in most anti-pasta platters

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  7. Gorgeous breadsticks. Nothing like homemade bread with salad.

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  8. I love homemade breadsticks. These sound wonderful and look delicious. Funny about your bread machine. I actually did the same thing, almost. I was not happy with it and gave it away. I wish I had kept it now:)

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  9. LOL.i think the breads enjoyed their spa a lot, they came out looking fresh and very gorgeous!

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  10. I remember borrowing a bread machine from a friend to try out for a while. The bread had the consistency of cake, but I am sure not all bread machines are equal. I would love to try it again.

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  11. I do have a bread machine that I use all the time; my arms can't do the kneading anymore. I use to do the work, but always shape ane bake it in the oven. Thank you sharing this recipe that I am printing out.
    Rita

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  12. I love my bread machine but never ever actually bake bread in it, lol. I'm making buttermilk bread today and I'm letting the machine do all the work, but then I'll actually bake it in the oven. Your rolls are gorgeous, the came out beautifully and I bet they taste wonderful!

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  13. I finally gave my bread machine to my DIL! I used it all the time when the kids were still home, but rarely after they left. I'll have to make these by hand, although I really don't mind that. I love feeling the dough changing under my hands.
    Super recipe for soft bread sticks, Betty!

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  14. Ooh, I've been wanting to make these. That's it, I'm making them. Glad you found a new purpose for your old bread machine...other than funny shaped loaves. =)

    I wanted to thank you so much for your support and encouragment during my pregnancy. I've had some very long and difficult days, nights and ambulance rides to the hospital. All of the kind words and well wishes really help to keep my spirits high. <3

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  15. This looks really good! I've been on a yeast dough kick for awhile, and these look promising!

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  16. I don't have a bread machine because I'm afraid it wouldn't get enough use and where to put it?? I'm trying to simplify right now;-)
    If you promise these rolls are really easy...I could be persuaded to give them a try, they do look really good and I like the idea of a quick dip in Marinara sauce;-)

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  17. I have a bread machine that's been gathering dust for years! These breadsticks sound wonderful!!

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  18. That's exactly what I use mine for! I don't have a KitchenAid, so I do appreciate the breadmaker doing all the kneading for me. Those sound great with Italian food, or just about anything.

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  19. I remember when my mom bought her first bread machine. I was 9 years old and it seemed magical! Thank you for infusing your posts with your kind spirit, your thoughtful words, and your beautiful photographs. Even in the midst of sadness, I find such solace visiting the blogs that I've grown to love this past year. I hope you have a wonderful start to your week, my friend. A big hug from Austin!

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  20. They look yummi!! I don't use my bread machine anymore, well, maybe I will also give it another chance :)

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  21. Those soft cheesy breadsticks look terrific!

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  22. I'm worried about getting a breadmaker for the exact same reason! But these look fantastic-so soft! :D

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  23. I've never had a bread machine but I agree that it must have been nice to have "someone" else do the kneading. I need to knead. In fact, I like to knead and we'd like these breadsticks on the table.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  24. Gorgeous! Love the addition of Parmesan.

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  25. Your breadsticks look lovely! I'm glad you rediscovered your bread machine.

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  26. These are a very good reason to use the bread machine! That's pretty much all I use my bread machine for - making the dough. It takes all the hard work out of bread making.
    These look SO good!!

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  27. As a "thrift finds" blog as well, I posted in my early post almost a year ago about the bread machine that I found at Goodwill, for $7.99 still brand new with instructions in it. I gave to to Lora because she knew exactly what she wanted to use it for, just to knead the dough and create the shape and form she wanted.

    Your Parmesan bread stick are so perfect and delicious, and your clear and easy directions would inspire anyone to work with yeast dough.

    Thank you so much for your kind words and support re: Lora. She is on her way to full recovery now:D

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  28. I've often thought I needed to have a bread machine and I'd still love to try one. Your bread sticks looks delicious and I love the twisted rope look.

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  29. Gorgeous looking breadsticks! Looks so delicious too - YUM!

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  30. Oh the aroma of homemade bread! Your breadsticks are so perfect!

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  31. My kids could eat themselves silly with breadsticks, especially when they are fresh out of the oven. I'm with you on the bread machine. I have one that gathers dust as well, but this recipe might be worth dusting it off :o)

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  32. your sticks o' bread look perfect! one can actually see how soft and fluffy they are, even in 2D. excellent recipe, for sure!

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  33. I have a bread machine too, that I haven't used for about a year. We do, however, use it to make the dough for Chinese dumplings and steamed buns! I am going to try these breadsticks now :)

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  34. I don't have a bread machine, but I would love to give these a try anyway. They look so good, it would be worth the work!

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  35. Your breadsticks look wonderful. I'm so glad you were able to use your bread machine to help making them. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

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  36. Your bread sticks look so soft and delicious :)

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  37. Wow! These look simply divine! I don't believe I've ever been to your blog before - I'm lovin it! Thanks for stopping by mine. I'm glad you liked the Easter Egg Cereal Treat! ♥ - Katrina

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  38. Those breadsticks look fabulous and they sound so yummy. I understand where you're coming from on not liking the way a bread machine bakes bread. I always use mine as a dough machine too and it is so awesome for that purpose :)

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  39. Hi Betty- I so love my bread machine! It's fun to try new recipes and bake them with the kids. Your breadsticks look just delicious! Thank you for checking on me and your sweet support. I am grateful for precious friends like you that I found through my blog. Hugs from me:)

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  40. A bread machine was something I really wanted when I registered for my wedding, but never received. While I've learned to love the kneading and rising process, you definitely are right...there is something awesomely convenient about leaving ingredients in the bread machine and coming home to bread :)

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  41. these have me drooling!

    they look amazing!

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  42. Loves your breadsticks and I would love to give this bake a try too. Yum!

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  43. You rock for these delicious, yummy, soft, perfect bread sticks! I made them and they were awesome!! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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Thanks for stopping by scrambled hen fruit! I appreciate all of your comments and look forward to reading them.

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