Before we jump into this gloriously cheesy bake, let me just say thank you for being here. If you’re anything like me, you know the heartbreak of tossing sourdough discard — but you also know the joy of turning it into something totally addictive. Enter: these Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks, the no-waste comfort snack of your dreams.
They’re tender and flavorful with a slightly tangy bite from the discard, gooey cheese on top, and the kind of garlic butter aroma that brings everyone to the kitchen before they even hear the oven beep. Honestly? I’m kicking myself for not making these sooner.
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What Are These Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks?
These sourdough discard breadsticks are soft, cheesy, and packed with garlic flavor — with just enough crisp on the edges and a delightfully chewy bite in the center. They’re kind of like garlic naan meets cheesy bread — made even better because you’re giving your sourdough discard new life.
Rustic. Golden. Oozing with melty mozzarella.
Anything but boring!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ♻️ No waste – finally, a use for sourdough discard that’s not pancakes
- 🧄 Big garlic flavor – thanks to fresh garlic butter
- 🧀 Cheesy perfection – mozzarella and Parmesan = match made in heaven
- 🔥 Fast – 15 minutes in the oven, and you’re in snacking heaven
- 🍽 Versatile – appetizer, side dish, or savory snack
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine the slight tang of sourdough mingling with buttery garlic, topped with a bubbling, golden cheese layer that stretches as you pull each breadstick apart. The edges have a light crunch, while the middle stays soft and pillowy.
In a word? Irresistible.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Reduces kitchen waste with a use for sourdough discard
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Naturally vegetarian-friendly
- Easy to customize with herbs or spice
- Perfect for snack boards, soups, and party dips
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, room temp)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Pastry brush (or spoon for the garlic butter)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Add chopped chives or basil for extra herby flavor
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or fontina for a twist
- Use garlic herb butter or roasted garlic for a deeper garlic note
- Want more tang? Use more discard and slightly less flour for a thinner, crispier base
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Sourdough discard
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Add in:
- Egg
- Yogurt
- Olive oil
Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms — more like a soft dough than a pourable batter.
3. Shape the Base
Spoon the dough onto your baking sheet.
Use damp hands or a spatula to gently spread it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Rustic edges? Totally fine.
4. Add the Garlic Butter
Mix melted butter with minced garlic.
Brush generously over the dough.
Sprinkle with parsley if you’re using it.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dough, followed by Parmesan.
Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
6. Bake
Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until:
- The edges are golden
- The cheese is bubbly and starting to brown
7. Cool & Slice
Let rest for 2–3 minutes (if you can wait!), then slice into strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
8. Dip & Devour
Serve warm with your favorite dip — marinara, ranch, or even garlic aioli.
What to Serve These With
These breadsticks pair beautifully with:
- 🍅 Tomato soup or creamy bisque
- 🥗 Side salad for a light lunch
- 🍝 Pasta night — serve as a cheesy side
- 🍕 Game day snack board or party platter
Tips for Perfect Breadsticks
- Don’t overmix the dough — just stir until combined
- For an extra crispy edge, brush a little oil around the rim of the dough
- If you’re skipping the egg, increase yogurt by 1 tablespoon (texture will be slightly different)
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
Storage & Reheating
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again
- Freeze pre-sliced breadsticks (before baking or after) for up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be slightly different. Still delicious!
Can I use fed sourdough starter instead of discard?
Absolutely — just know it may puff up a bit more due to the active yeast.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger baking sheet or make two batches.
Is this a make-ahead recipe?
Yes! You can mix the dough and store it (covered) in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Final Thoughts: From Discard to Delicious
This Sourdough Discard Cheesy Garlic Breadstick recipe proves one glorious truth: leftovers can become legendary. It’s easy, crave-worthy, and the kind of snack that disappears before you can say “where’d the last one go?”
Give your sourdough starter the standing ovation it deserves — and your taste buds a reason to cheer.
More Recipes Using Sourdough Discard
- 🥞 Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes
- 🧇 Crispy Sourdough Discard Waffles
- 🍪 Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 🧀 Sourdough Discard Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Share Your Breadstick Glory!
📸 Did you try this recipe?
Tag me on Pinterest and show off your golden, gooey creations!
👇 Drop a comment below — What dip did you pair it with? Did you go full garlic or add some heat?
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving – based on 8 sticks)
- Calories: ~190
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: <1g
Craving something cheesy, garlicky, and impossibly snackable? Grab that discard and get baking! 🧄🧀
