Patrick Oconnell
Bosco Sticks are stuffed breadsticks that originated in a Michigan pizzeria and became a staple in school cafeterias across the United States. They are made with mozzarella cheese, butter, parmesan cheese, and pizza dough. The cheese-filled snack is typically served hot with a cup of marinara sauce for dipping, and has become a beloved favourite among students and adults alike. With its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients, the Bosco Stick has earned its place as a brand-name item in the world of school lunches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese used in Bosco Sticks | Mozzarella |
| Other cheeses used | Parmesan, Reduced-fat/Reduced-sodium mozzarella |
| Toppings | Butter, Parmesan cheese, Garlic powder, Oregano, Italian seasoning, Red pepper flakes |
| Filling | Cheese, Sauce, Pepperoni, Sausage, Vegetables |
| Additives | Natural Cheese Flavor, Artificial Flavor, Natural Butter Flavor, Artificial Butter Flavor, Natural Flavor, Enzyme, Riboflavin |
| Weight | 2.15 oz, 2.23 oz, 2.96 oz, 2.50 oz, 2.99 oz |
| Baking temperature | 375°F, 400°F |
| Baking time | 7-9 minutes, 12-15 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Marinara sauce, Ranch sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella cheese is the main ingredient
Bosco Sticks were invented in 1988 by Mark Artinian, founder of Bosco's Carry-Out Pizzeria in Warren, Michigan, which was located next to a high school. Artinian noticed that many students would visit his pizzeria during lunchtime and realised that schools needed better-quality pizza in their cafeterias. This observation led him to transform his business into a food distribution service, and in 1995, he launched the first commercially-made frozen stuffed-crust pizza.
The Bosco Stick itself was born out of an accident. On one occasion, a cheese-filled crust fell off a slice of stuffed-crust pizza, and Artinian's team realised that this could be turned into a delicious breadstick. The Bosco Stick quickly gained popularity, especially in school cafeterias, and has become a beloved snack for cheese lovers.
While mozzarella is the star ingredient, Bosco Sticks also feature other components that enhance their flavour and texture. They are typically brushed with butter and topped with grated parmesan cheese, creating a unique combination that complements the stretchy mozzarella. The breadsticks are often served hot, ensuring a melty cheesy centre, and accompanied by a cup of marinara sauce for dipping.
In addition to the classic recipe, variations of Bosco Sticks have emerged, including whole-grain and reduced-fat options. Some creative suggestions for adding extra "pizzazz" include sprinkling garlic powder or other favourite seasoning mixes on top of the breadsticks.
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Parmesan cheese is used as a topping
Bosco Sticks are breadsticks stuffed with mozzarella cheese. They are brushed with butter and topped with Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savoury flavour to the breadsticks and complements the other ingredients well.
The breadsticks are first baked in the oven, and then brushed with butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. This process ensures that the breadsticks are crispy on the outside while still soft and chewy on the inside. The butter and Parmesan cheese also add a layer of flavour and texture to the breadsticks, making them even more delicious.
In addition to the Parmesan cheese, other toppings and seasonings can also be added to Bosco Sticks. Some popular options include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. These additional toppings can enhance the flavour and add a bit of spice to the breadsticks.
Bosco Sticks have a long history, dating back to 1929 when they were invented by Sylvester G. Powel. They gained popularity in the 1980s and became a beloved favourite among food lovers of all kinds. Today, they are still enjoyed by many, especially those who crave a cheesy and unique snack.
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Butter is used for brushing
Bosco Sticks are stuffed breadsticks that are filled with mozzarella cheese and wrapped in pizza dough. They are typically served hot with a cup of marinara sauce for dipping. The cheese-filled snack is a beloved favourite among food lovers of all kinds, especially children, and has become a brand-name item.
The magic of Bosco Sticks lies in the way the cheese melts—stretchy, not rubbery. Pulling the stick apart creates a ribbon of cheese that links the two halves. The cheese also lines the inside of the stick, ensuring that every bite is filled with cheese.
The recipe for Bosco Sticks is simple. The dough is rolled out into a rectangle, and a string of mozzarella cheese is placed in the centre. The outer flaps of the dough are then folded over the cheese, and the edges are sealed. The breadstick is then rolled into a log and placed on a baking sheet.
Now, here's where the butter comes in. Before baking, the breadsticks are brushed with melted butter and topped with parmesan cheese. They are then baked until lightly golden brown. After baking, the remaining butter is brushed onto the hot breadsticks, and more parmesan is sprinkled on top.
Some variations of the recipe include adding onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, or garlic butter on top of the Bosco Sticks.
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They are made with pizza dough
Bosco Sticks are made with pizza dough. They are a deconstructed pizza that is easier to eat without making a mess. The mozzarella cheese-stuffed breadsticks are a beloved snack, especially in school cafeterias. They were invented by Sylvester G. Powel in 1929 and have since become a popular snack for cheese lovers. The magic of Bosco Sticks lies in the way the cheese melts, creating a stretchy texture that kids adore. The cheese-filled centre is best enjoyed when hot, resulting in a gooey and delicious treat.
The preparation of Bosco Sticks is quite simple. The pizza dough is rolled out into a rough 16x8 inch rectangle and then cut into eight even strips. A string of cheese is placed in the centre of each strip, and the outer flaps of dough are folded over it. The edges are sealed, and the breadstick is rolled into a log shape. It is then baked until golden brown and brushed with butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The result is a crispy and soft snack that can be dipped into marinara sauce.
Bosco Sticks have become so popular that they are now available in schools across 45 states and are the "#1-selling brand in school food service in the Midwest." The snack is also enjoyed by adults who fondly remember eating Bosco Sticks in their school cafeterias. The combination of pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, butter, and parmesan cheese creates a unique and beloved flavour profile.
While the classic Bosco Stick is made with pizza dough and stuffed with mozzarella cheese, there are variations that include additional ingredients such as pepperoni, cooked crumbled Italian sausage, or chopped vegetables. These variations add a twist to the traditional recipe and allow for customisation to suit different taste preferences.
The popularity of Bosco Sticks has led to the creation of copycat recipes that individuals can make at home. These recipes allow people to enjoy the delicious snack outside of school cafeterias and frozen food sections. By using pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, butter, and parmesan cheese, individuals can recreate the unique flavour of Bosco Sticks in their own kitchens.
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They are often served with marinara sauce
Bosco Sticks are stuffed breadsticks made with mozzarella cheese and pizza dough. They are typically served hot with a cup of marinara sauce for dipping. The marinara sauce complements the cheesy, stretchy, and melty centre of the Bosco Sticks, creating a delicious combination.
The Bosco Stick is a deconstructed pizza in stick form, making it less messy to eat. This also contributes to its popularity as a convenient, portable snack. The breadsticks are often served with the marinara sauce on the side, providing a dipping experience that is both enjoyable and neat.
The marinara sauce adds a tangy and savoury note to the rich and stretchy cheese of the Bosco Sticks. The sauce is typically warm, enhancing the overall taste experience. This combination of flavours and textures has made Bosco Sticks a beloved favourite, especially among schoolchildren.
The sauce also provides a visual appeal to the dish, with its vibrant red colour contrasting the golden brown of the breadsticks. This simple addition elevates the Bosco Sticks, making them a sought-after snack. The marinara sauce is an essential component of the Bosco Stick experience, enhancing both flavour and presentation.
The Bosco Sticks are often served with a dusting of parmesan cheese and butter, adding a salty and creamy dimension to the snack. The parmesan cheese also provides a textural contrast, creating a more indulgent experience. The combination of mozzarella, butter, parmesan, and marinara sauce results in a flavour profile that is irresistible to cheese lovers.
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Frequently asked questions
Bosco Sticks are stuffed with mozzarella cheese.
Parmesan cheese is often sprinkled on top of the sticks, and some recipes also include reduced-fat mozzarella.
Bosco Sticks are breadsticks stuffed with cheese and often served with a cup of marinara sauce for dipping. They were invented in 1929 and are especially popular in school cafeterias.
To make Bosco Sticks, you roll out pizza dough into a rectangle, cut it into strips, and place a string of cheese in the centre of each strip. You then fold the dough over the cheese, seal the edges, and bake.
Yes, Bosco Sticks are vegetarian-friendly as they are meat-free.
