Description
Romantic Italian-style heart-shaped breadsticks bring passion to your Valentine’s Day table. Crisp herbs and parmesan dance together, creating a delightful appetizer you’ll savor with your loved one.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2.5 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by whisking it with warm water and a pinch of sugar in a spacious mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes, indicating the yeast is alive and active.
- Incorporate olive oil, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture. Vigorously knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it transforms into a smooth, elastic texture. The dough should feel soft and supple to the touch.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free location. Allow the dough to rise and double in volume, which typically takes around 60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Roll each dough portion into a slender rope approximately 8 inches long. Carefully bend the ends towards each other, creating a heart shape by pinching the tips together to form a perfect valentine-inspired silhouette.
- Arrange the heart-shaped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown, appetizing appearance.
- While the breadsticks are still warm, prepare a luxurious garlic butter glaze by mixing melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Generously brush the aromatic mixture over each breadstick.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley over the breadsticks for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the heart-shaped breadsticks immediately alongside marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping, creating a romantic and delicious Valentine’s Day treat.
Notes
- Activate instant yeast by ensuring water temperature is precisely between 100-110°F to guarantee proper rising and soft texture.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive guests, adding xanthan gum for better binding.
- Customize flavor profiles by incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme directly into dough for enhanced aromatic experience.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting butter with olive oil and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for similar savory notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg