Braided Garlic Breadsticks

My Go-To Comfort Food: Braided Garlic Breadsticks

As a busy working mom, time is always of the essence. I'm constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and family dinners, leaving little room for elaborate cooking projects. That's why I adore recipes that are both delicious and surprisingly easy to execute. And that's where these braided garlic breadsticks come in. They're the perfect blend of satisfying comfort food and effortless preparation, making them a regular fixture in our household.

What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. On busy weeknights, I can whip up a batch in under an hour. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen! The combination of buttery, garlicky goodness and soft, chewy breadsticks is simply irresistible. My kids devour them, and I've even had colleagues request the recipe after bringing them to office potlucks.

The process is wonderfully therapeutic too. The act of braiding the dough is surprisingly calming. It's a great way to unwind after a long day. Plus, there's something inherently satisfying about creating something so delicious from simple ingredients. It’s a reminder that even the most hectic schedules can allow space for moments of simple pleasure, like sharing homemade breadsticks with loved ones.

Ingredient Notes: I’ve experimented with different types of flour over the years, and I've found that this particular blend of coconut, almond, and flaxseed flour provides the perfect texture—a delicate balance of moistness and slight crispiness. Feel free to experiment with other flour blends if desired, but this combination is my go-to. The cream cheese adds a subtle richness and creaminess to the dough that elevates the breadsticks to a whole new level. Don't skimp on the garlic – the more, the merrier! A good quality garlic press ensures that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture, resulting in maximum flavor.

Tips for Success: For best results, make sure your cheese is thoroughly melted before mixing it into the dough. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella, but freshly shredding your own often yields better results. For those who prefer a crispier breadstick, increase the baking time by a few minutes. Conversely, if you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time slightly.

Beyond the Recipe: These breadsticks are incredibly versatile. They're delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic accompaniment to soups, stews, salads, and pasta dishes. I’ve even used them as a base for mini pizzas! They’re the perfect vehicle for dips and spreads too – think pesto, marinara sauce, or even a simple garlic aioli. The possibilities are truly endless.

Making Memories: More than just a recipe, this is a tradition in our home. On special occasions, I'll sometimes let the kids help with the braiding process. It's a fun and engaging activity that creates lasting memories. It's a reminder that cooking doesn't have to be a chore – it can be a joyful experience shared with the people we love. So, next time you're looking for a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions, give these braided garlic breadsticks a try. You won’t regret it.

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with your favorite soup, salad, or pasta dish. They're also perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or pesto. For a unique twist, try serving them with a balsamic glaze.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Combine butter and crushed garlic. Set Aside.
• Line a cookie sheet with parchment.
• Put cheese in a microwave safe bowl.
• Microwave one minute.
• Stir.
• Microwave 30 seconds.
• Stir.
• At this point all the cheese should be melted.
• Microwave 30 more seconds until uniform and gloopy (it should look like cheese fondue at this point).
• Mix in the egg and baking mix.
• You will need to dump it onto wax paper and knead it by hand to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients or you can do this in a food processor with the dough blade.
• Press into a big rectangle on parchment paper (it helps to wet your hands).
• Cut lengthwise into 8 strips.
• Cut each strip lengthwise into 3 smaller strips.
• You will end up with 24 strips of dough.
• Attach the tops of 3 strips.
• Braid the dough.
• Attach the bottoms and tuck under.
• Put the braid on a parchment lined baking sheet.
• Continue to make 8 braided breadsticks.
• Brush each with the garlic butter (using 1/2 of it now).
• You want to get some of the little pieces of garlic on them too.
• Sprinkle a little sea salt on the breadsticks.
• Bake for 15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and brush with the rest of the garlic butter.
• Bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve warm.