Cheese Breadsticks: Cooking Frozen Ones Perfectly

Frozen breadsticks are a quick and easy snack that can be cooked in an oven or an air fryer. When cooking frozen breadsticks in an oven, preheat the oven to between 400°F and 450°F and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. For an air fryer, arrange the breadsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooking frozen cheese breadsticks in an air fryer

Frozen cheese breadsticks are a quick and easy side dish that can be made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect cheese breadsticks.

Preparation

First, take out your frozen cheese breadsticks from the freezer and remove them from their packaging. It is important to note that you should not thaw or defrost the breadsticks before cooking. Place the frozen breadsticks directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them. Most air fryers can fit around 3-5 breadsticks, depending on their size.

Cooking

Once your breadsticks are in the air fryer, you can set the temperature and timer. Preheating the air fryer is not necessary. Set the temperature between 340-390 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 4-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. For a softer breadstick, cook for a shorter duration, and for a crispier texture, cook for a few minutes longer.

Serving

When the cheese breadsticks are golden brown and cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve warm. You can enjoy them as they are, or add some butter on top. If serving to children, it is recommended to cut the breadsticks open to allow them to cool down slightly before consumption.

Dipping Sauces and Seasonings

Frozen cheese breadsticks can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, nacho cheese, garlic butter, or ranch dressing. You can also sprinkle additional seasonings on top, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or dried parsley, to enhance the flavor.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and cheesy breadsticks!

Cooking frozen cheese breadsticks in the oven

Frozen cheese breadsticks are a quick and easy snack to make in the oven. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect cheese breadsticks.

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This is a crucial step as it ensures your breadsticks will cook evenly. While the oven is heating up, take your frozen breadsticks out of the freezer and lay them flat on a baking pan. It is important to note that you should not thaw the breadsticks before baking, as this can affect their texture. Space the breadsticks evenly on the pan, leaving a little room between each one to allow for even cooking.

Cooking

Once your oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking pan on the middle rack and set a timer. The breadsticks will need to bake for 10 to 12 minutes. However, every oven is different, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Serving

When the breadsticks are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven. Be careful not to burn yourself as the pan will be hot. Let the breadsticks cool down for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or as a side dish with a warm bowl of soup or chilli.

Tips and Variations

You can serve the breadsticks with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, nacho cheese, or garlic butter. If you want to add some extra flavour to your breadsticks, try brushing them with olive oil or garlic butter before baking. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as spicy jack or Colby-Jack, to add a kick to your snack.

Storage

If you have any leftover breadsticks, they can be stored at room temperature for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes, or 20 minutes if frozen.

How to make the dough for cheese breadsticks

Ingredients

• 1 1/8 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 ½ - 2 cups bread flour, or all-purpose flour

Method

• Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. Stir to combine and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
• Add the remaining water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar.
• Gradually add the flour and knead until a soft dough is formed. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it sticks to your clean fingertip. Cover the bowl with a dry towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 1 hour.
• After the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it with your hands for 30-60 seconds.
• Divide the dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how many breadsticks you want to make. For example, for 12 breadsticks, divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
• Roll each portion of dough into a long breadstick shape, about 12-14 inches in length.
• Follow the rest of your recipe's instructions for adding cheese and other toppings, and baking!

How to shape cheese breadsticks

Shaping cheese breadsticks is a simple process. First, you'll need to prepare your dough. You can either make your own or use store-bought pizza dough. If you're making your own, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, and let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes. Next, add the remaining water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar, followed by the flour, and knead until you have a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour.

Once your dough is ready, it's time to shape the breadsticks. Start by gently punching down the dough and placing it on a sheet of parchment paper. Use your hands or a rolling pin to spread the dough into a rectangle that's about 1/3 inch thick. If you're using a rolling pin, aim for a large, flat oval shape that's about 1/2 inch thick.

Now, it's time to add the toppings. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic, and spread this mixture evenly over the dough, going all the way to the edges. You can also add some Italian seasoning or dried basil at this point for extra flavour.

Finally, sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese generously over the dough. Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan all work well. You can also roll the dough in the grated cheese if you prefer. Once your breadsticks are shaped and topped, they're ready to be baked!

How to store and reheat cheese breadsticks

Storing and reheating cheese breadsticks is a delicate process, as you'll want to retain their delicious texture and flavour. Here's a guide to help you do just that:

Storing Cheese Breadsticks

If you have leftover cheese breadsticks, it's best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and help maintain their texture. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them hard and dry. If you need to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. To do this, wrap the breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, ensuring you've removed as much air as possible. They should keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Reheating Cheese Breadsticks

When it comes to reheating, there are several methods you can use, depending on your desired texture and crunch level:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the breadsticks side by side in an oven-safe dish or pan. If you want softer breadsticks, use a dish that keeps them close together. For crispier edges, place them a couple of inches apart on a pan. You can brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle salt for added flavour. If your breadsticks are stale, briefly run them under the faucet to add moisture. Then, bake for 7-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Microwave: This method is best if you want softer, less crispy breadsticks. Place the breadsticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp (not wet) paper towel. Microwave for 15-30 seconds, checking and adjusting the time as needed.
• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Wrap the breadsticks in tin foil and sprinkle with seasonings like salt or garlic powder. Heat for about 2 minutes.
• Combination: For a combination of textures, first, microwave the breadsticks as instructed above. Then, place them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to add a bit of crunch.

Remember, when reheating, it's essential to keep an eye on your breadsticks to ensure they don't burn. With these methods, your cheese breadsticks should emerge hot, tasty, and with a texture to your liking!

Frequently asked questions