Craving breadsticks while following a ketogenic diet? Look no further! This article unveils a simple yet mind-blowing recipe for keto breadsticks that are not only low-carb but also incredibly delicious. Made with just a few ingredients, these cheesy garlic breadsticks are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Why You'll Love These Keto Breadsticks
These keto cheesy breadsticks have a lot going for them:
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Traditional breadsticks are loaded with carbs, making them a no-go on a keto diet. This recipe uses a blend of melted mozzarella and eggs, keeping the carb count to a bare minimum - just 1g net carbs per serving.
- Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and sugar-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have the necessary ingredients in your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple steps and minimal baking time, you can have these breadsticks ready in no time.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with various sauces and meals.
- Delicious: The combination of gooey mozzarella, aromatic herbs, and garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe has a special place in my heart, thanks to friends from the Netherlands. On a memorable evening, one of them crafted a low-carb alternative to regular breadsticks. The cheesy goodness mingled with aromatic herbs was amazing. It was a heartfelt gesture that instantly turned these breadsticks into more than just a recipe but a memorable experience.
Ingredients for Keto Breadsticks
There are recipes with only 3 or 4 ingredients, and there are recipes with almond flour and coconut flour for bread-like texture.
3-Ingredient Keto Breadsticks
- 1 1/2 cups cheese
- Eggs
- Seasoning
4-Ingredient Keto Breadsticks
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Egg
- Garlic powder
Keto Breadsticks with Almond and Coconut Flour
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Protein powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Eggs
- Egg whites
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Cheese: Instead of mozzarella, you can use Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese. For a richer flavor, add shredded fresh parmesan (avoid pre-grated). For a unique twist, try adding blue cheese crumbles.
- Garlic Powder: Substitute with Italian salt (like Crazy Jane’s Mixed Up Spices) and omit the salt from the ingredients list.
- Italian Seasoning: If you don't have Italian seasoning, use an equal mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Zest: Adding lemon zest can brighten the flavors but will alter the traditional breadstick taste.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings like sesame seeds, flax seeds, or herbs for added crunch, flavor, and color.
How to Make Keto Breadsticks: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are a few recipes and preparation options.
Read also: Creamy Keto Dessert
Method 1
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients together until well incorporated.
- Shape and Bake: Place the mixture onto your parchment paper, and flatten it out like you would a pizza crust.
- Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, and then switch the oven to broil and move the baking sheet to the top rack for a few minutes to brown the cheese a little.
- Slice and Serve: Slice with a pizza cutter, and enjoy!
Method 2
- Prep the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk the butter with the garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and salt.
- Prepare the dough: Whisk the dry ingredients first, then work in the oil, eggs, and egg whites.
- Form into logs: The dough may be a bit sticky at this point, so use wet hands to form it into 12 small logs.
- Brush with garlic butter: Brush the sticks with half of the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake until golden: Bake about 15 minutes, until the breadsticks are golden brown and just firm to the touch.
- Add more garlic butter: Brush with the remaining garlic butter.
Method 3
- Prepare ingredients: Prepare all ingredients for easy assembly.
- Melt the mozzarella: Place the shredded mozzarella into a nonstick pot and heat up while mixing slowly. Make sure you melt the mozzarella entirely.
- Add almond flour: Once your mozzarella is melted, slowly add almond flour or ground almonds. Integrate almonds fully into the mozzarella until the dough is soft and without any visible lumps of almond flour.
- Add baking powder: Having your stove switched off, add baking powder, and mix that again into the fathead dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a silicone sheet and, with your hands, knead the dough for a few minutes until you get a beautiful smooth consistency.
- Roll the dough: Roll the dough evenly into a rectangular shape, which will go onto the baking tray.
- Add butter and turmeric: Brush the dough with melted butter mixed with turmeric powder.
- Cut into stripes: Cut the dough along the narrow side into long stripes using a pizza cutter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Breadsticks
- Parchment Paper is Key: Lining the pan with parchment paper is essential to prevent the breadsticks from sticking.
- Don't Spread Too Thin: If you spread the cheese mixture too thinly, the breadsticks may turn out more like baked cheese crisps.
- Avoid Overcooking: A thinner layer of cheese is likely to cook much faster and may be too crispy or burnt.
- Dough Consistency: If you experience your dough being cold and tough to work with, heat it up for a few minutes again, and it becomes soft again.
Serving Suggestions
These keto breadsticks are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes and sauces:
- Dipping Sauces: Enjoy them with tomato sauce, low-carb marinara sauce, lemon and herb sauce, homemade ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing dipping sauce.
- Homemade Tomato Sauce: Elevate each breadstick with a dunk in luscious, home-cooked tomato sauce.
- Keto Eggplant Parmesan: This light, cheesy dish makes for a perfect Italian feast when paired with keto breadsticks.
- Low-Carb Meatballs: Enjoy meatballs with a side of cheesy breadsticks.
- Spicy Tuscan Kale and Sausage Soup: Warm up with this hearty soup and use the breadsticks as a side.
- Authentic Bolognese Sauce: Pair this rich and meaty sauce with a keto breadstick.
- As a side: Enjoy these breadsticks with pasta, soups, or salads.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Mix melted butter and garlic in a small bowl, then brush it onto the baked breadsticks for a delicious garlic flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: For short-term enjoyment, place any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap them in plastic wrap, store them in a ziplock bag, or cover them with foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the breadsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Variations and Additional Recipes
- Dairy-Free: Use egg white protein powder in the bread and olive oil or avocado oil for the garlic butter. Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
- Nut-Free: Almond flour gives the bread the correct consistency so I don’t recommend trying all coconut flour. Other seed flours like sunflower seed and pumpkin seed might work but they will give the breadsticks a greyish color. If using sunflower seed flour, make sure to add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice or vinegar, to avoid the greenish reaction.
- Easy Cheesy Breadsticks Recipe Without Eggs: The base ingredient of this homemade dough is mozzarella cheese, which is either melted on the stove or in a microwave. To my surprise, there was no need for a replacement for eggs. I just skipped it and added butter on top instead of egg whites.
- Keto Pretzels Fathead Dough Recipe: Make Keto Pretzels Fathead Dough Recipe that gives you soft and chewy addition for your breakfast or brunch with zero net carbs.
- Rainbow Keto Pizza Recipe With Fathead Dough: Fathead pizza dough is easy to make and is the best keto pizza crust imaginable.
Read also: Low-Carb Pizza Guide
Read also: 5-Ingredient Keto
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