Name: Sourdough Discard Breadsticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 20-24 breadsticks
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 150g sourdough discard; 150g all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (rosemary, oregano, thyme); 1-2 tbsp water if needed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt; 1/2 tsp dried rosemary or Italian herbs

These crunchy breadsticks are the perfect vehicle for sourdough discard. They are simple to make, impossibly crispy, and packed with flavor from garlic and herbs.

Serve alongside soup, salad, or just enjoy as a snack with dips.

Instructions

Make Dough

In a bowl, combine discard, flour, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and herbs. Mix until a dough forms. Add water if needed to bring it together. The dough should be smooth but not sticky.

Rest

Cover and let rest for 15-30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes shaping easier.

Prepare

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Shape

Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a rectangle about 20x25cm. Cut into strips about 1cm wide. Twist each strip and place on baking sheets.

Top

Brush breadsticks with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt and herbs.

Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Rotate pans halfway through for even browning.

Cool

Let cool on the pan for a few minutes - they will crisp up more as they cool.

Tips & Notes

Roll the dough thin for crispier breadsticks
Twisting creates interesting texture and makes them look professional
Watch carefully near the end - they go from golden to burnt quickly
Store in an airtight container for up to a week
If they soften, re-crisp in a 150°C oven for 5 minutes

Flavor Variations

Parmesan Breadsticks

Add 50g grated Parmesan to the dough. Top with more Parmesan before baking.

Everything Breadsticks

Top with everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, salt).

Seeded Breadsticks

Roll breadsticks in a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flax seeds before baking.

Black Pepper and Parmesan

Add 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 30g Parmesan to the dough.

Za'atar Breadsticks

Replace Italian herbs with za'atar in both the dough and topping.

Serving Suggestions

With marinara sauce for dipping
Alongside soup or salad
With hummus or other dips
As part of an antipasto platter
Wrapped in prosciutto

Why Sourdough Discard?

The tang from the discard adds complexity to these simple breadsticks. The acidity also helps tenderize them slightly while still achieving that satisfying crunch.