Many people order garlic bread as an add on to the meal when they’re in a restaurant. However, have you tried breadsticks? Once you do, you may prefer these Italian sticks of bread that are usually served in baskets.
In fact, in many modern restaurants it’s the norm to get some breadsticks as an appetizer. And they’re so easy to make that you can start baking them at home too. But there are often more breadsticks than your family’s appetite can handle.
This results in leftover breadsticks and similar to other baked goods they can become stale. Don’t worry! There’s no need to waste this yummy type of bread! If you have some breadsticks left over from a takeaway dinner or after baking, we have creative ideas.
If you don’t know what to do with them yet, one of the following options are sure to become a new favorite recipe in your house. But first, let’s show you how to make these sticks.
How to Make Breadsticks
No reason to buy if you can bake your own! All you need to bake a batch of breadsticks is:
You’ll mix your ingredients, then divide the dough and roll out each section on a baking tray, creating long stick-like shapes. You can experiment with different portions, thicknesses and lengths to make the breadsticks according to your liking.
Bake them for around 20 minutes at 375°F. You can customize your breadsticks by adding ingredients like Parmesan cheese or sesame seeds or even brushing melted butter on the exterior before baking.
Where did Breadstick Originate from?
The original breadsticks originated in Italy, specifically in the Piedmont region. Its history can be traced as far back as the 1600s. Traditionally, these are pencil sized. However, in America today you’ll also found a bigger breadstick that’s also softer.
The type you purchase or bake will determine which of the recipes below will work well if you have some leftover breadsticks.
Are Breadsticks Healthy?
Breadsticks may not be the healthiest snack in your kitchen, but they can be a source of selenium and they’re also low in cholesterol. However, you can make healthier versions of breadsticks by adjusting the ingredients.
Some people may prefer using whole-wheat or gluten-free flour. You can also use other oil alternatives, such as walnut oil which will give your bread a very unique flavor.
What to Do With Leftover Breadsticks
- Sandwiches
The leftover breadsticks can be made into bite-sized sandwiches. Break or cut them into small portions and add your favorite topping. Alternatively, if you are a taco lover, use them as a unique form of tortilla shells. Some ideas to fill up the sandwiches or stack onto your ‘tacos’:
- Refried beans
- Chicken filling
- Salsa
- Cheese
The best thing about these mini snacks is that the breadsticks are extremely delicious and can carry lots of flavor. Therefore, it makes more flavorful snacks! Also, you can see that this recipe gives you a chance to use all the leftover items from last night’s dinner.
See what you have available and add some condiments and spices to turn it into your snack fillings to place on pieces of leftover breadsticks. They’re easy to eat and family members of all ages will love this. And not food wastage!
- Breadstick Soup
If you’re fond of having soups, we are sure you will enjoy the breadstick soup. For making this soup, follow these simple steps:
- Place the broth in a big bowl.
- Add the leftover breadsticks to give the liquid an inviting texture and make it look and taste wholesome.
- Add other ingredients that suit your taste buds and flavor preferences. For instance, you can add some beef cubes and cheddar cheese to add depth to the flavor.
On the other hand, you can simply dip these sticks in premade soup and enjoy. It’s even the perfect way to upgrade canned soup to a more inviting meal. All in all, this is a great option for when you have a cold or need some comfort food. Quick to make and easy to eat.
- Toast
Although they’re uniquely shaped, there’s no reason why your breadstick can’t turn into toast. First slice them up, either in small sections, or cut it lengthwise into halves. Then apply butter to the surfaces and heat them slightly.
Thanks to the heat the breadsticks will be crispy and warm, while the flavor will also be more potent. You can enjoy the buttered and toasted breadsticks with honey or jelly as a perfect snack.
- Breadstick Fritters
When you’re in the mood for some delicious snacks, nothing’s better than breadstick fritters, thanks to them being so tasty. To make these fritters, simply do the following:
- Make a batter that includes yummy ingredients like shredded cheese, vegetables and fruit
- Cover the breadstick in the batter, ensuring it’s completely covered and moistened by the batter
- Fry them up in cooking oil until they are golden brown.
These fritters make delicious appetizers for when you want to host your family and friends and want to serve something unique.
- Puffs
One wouldn’t think that it’s impossible to make puffs with breadsticks, but it is! To make the puffs, slice along the length of the breadstick and cut it into strips of about 2cm. Then place a few strips in each cup of a muffin tray and add some melted butter to each portion.
Place it in the oven and bake for about five minutes or until you see them turn crispy and brown in color. You can eat them as a savory snack as is, or enjoy them as a sweet treat by topping them with cinnamon sugar and banana slices.
- Chips
Everyone loves potato chips, but you can also make breadstick chips. To make these chips, cut the leftover breadsticks into similar sizes and shapes as traditional chips. Then bake them in the oven at 400°F for around 20 minutes.
The outcome will be a very crispy chip. Complete the snack with a variety of dips or simply use good old ketchup and mayo.
- Doughnuts
You probably don’t know a person with a sweet tooth that will ever say no to doughnuts. So, why not turn your leftover breadsticks into doughnuts?
They’ll be a little different but by frying them in oil you’ll achieve an attractive, crunchy texture and brown appearance. Once they are fried, spread some chocolate sauce over them.
What Food Goes Well with Breadsticks?
Perhaps the breadsticks you have are still fresh, but you’re just not sure how to serve them properly? They work well as appetizers, but don’t underestimate them as part of the main meal. Here are some tips on what goes really well with this specific baked item:
- A BLT salad for a light afternoon meal
- Chowder, so you can dip and taste
- An add on to baked beans for an original take on this traditional dish
- Pair them with your favorite pasta dish to complement flavors and provide a way to mop up the sauce left on the plate
Final Thought
Yes, we’ve shared some very creative, alternative recipes. Be prepared for some slightly different flavors than you’re used to. But oh, so good! And while you enjoy discovering what you can do with leftover breadsticks, you can also be proud that you’re preventing unnecessary wastage.