Keto Cheesy Breadsticks: The Ultimate Low-Carb Snack

Craving breadsticks but committed to a low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! These keto cheesy breadsticks are a dream come true - a delightful blend of gooey, crispy, and aromatic flavors that will keep you coming back for more. They're perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or a satisfying snack.

Why You'll Love These Keto Breadsticks

  • Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With just 1g net carbs per serving, these breadsticks fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, making them accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
  • Easy to Make: With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in under 20 minutes.
  • Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, dipped in your favorite sauce, or paired with a variety of dishes.
  • Delicious: The cheesy flavor and satisfying texture will make you forget all about traditional breadsticks.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

This keto breadsticks recipe has a special place in my heart, thanks to my incredible friends from the Netherlands. On a memorable evening, while the rest of the family indulged in regular breadsticks, one of my friends went the extra mile to craft a low-carb, alternative keto recipe just for me. As I took that first bite, I was amazed by the cheesy goodness mingling with aromatic herbs. I was touched that she took the time to make these breadsticks from scratch for me. It was a heartfelt gesture that instantly turned these breadsticks into more than just a recipe but a memorable experience. Every time I make this recipe, I return to that warm, laughter-filled evening. This recipe is a testament to the beautiful moments food can create, the friendships it can deepen, and the memories it can preserve.

Ingredients: Simple and Customizable

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The base requires just a few key ingredients, with plenty of room for customization to suit your taste.

Core Ingredients for Cheesy Keto Breadsticks

  • Mozzarella Cheese: The foundation of these breadsticks, providing a gooey, stretchy, and savory base. Use 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese.
  • Eggs: Help create the structure of the breadsticks.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a delicious garlic flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Enhances the flavor profile with a blend of aromatic herbs.
  • Salt: Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Use 1 ounce grated parmesan cheese.
  • Italian Cheese Blend: Use 3 ounces grated cheese.
  • Baking Powder: Helps give the eggs a lift so the breadsticks would rise a bit. Use 2 teaspoons.
  • Almond Flour: Use ½ cup almond flour to help the breadsticks achieve the best texture.
  • Coconut Flour: Use 2 Tablespoons coconut flour to help the breadsticks achieve the best texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Use 2 Tablespoons heavy cream to get the dough to the correct consistency so it will be pliable to easily form the breadsticks.

Optional Additions and Substitutions

  • Cheese Variations:
    • Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella.
    • Shredded fresh parmesan can be added for a richer flavor (avoid pre-grated parmesan, which can be bitter).
    • Blue cheese crumbles (about ¼ cup) can be mixed in for a unique and unexpected flavor.
  • Spice Alternatives:
    • Italian salt (like Crazy Jane’s Mixed Up Spices) can be used instead of garlic powder and salt (omit the salt from the ingredients list if using Italian salt).
    • A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can be used as a substitute for Italian seasoning.
  • Toppings: Sesame seeds, flax seeds, or herbs can be added for extra crunch, flavor, or color.
  • Liquids: Heavy cream could be substituted for olive oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, butter, sour cream, yogurt, a little water, milk, almond milk, or any other liquid that you want to use.
  • Seasonings: Other dry seasonings you may want to try are basil, thyme, oregano, black pepper, or parsley. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want your keto breadsticks a little spicy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Keto Breadsticks

Follow these simple instructions to create your own batch of delicious keto cheesy breadsticks.

Preparation

  1. Gather Your Tools and Ingredients: Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  4. Shred the Cheese: If using block cheese, shred it into small pieces.

Mixing the Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, cheese, seasoning blend, and egg. Use the paddle attachment to blend the ingredients starting on low speed and then increase to medium speed until the mixture starts to come together and looks crumbly.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 Tablespoon of cream at a time while continuing to mix the dough on medium speed. The dough is ready when it holds together. If it is too crumbly and breaks apart easily, add a touch more cream. If it is too wet, you can either add a little more shredded cheese or a very small amount of coconut flour.

Forming the Breadsticks

  1. Roll the Dough: Take 2 Tablespoons of the dough and place it on a cutting board or clean work surface. Roll it out into the shape of a breadstick by using the palm of your hands in a forward and back motion. The breadsticks should be about 8-10" long and about ¾" in diameter, which is about the size of dime.
  2. Place on Baking Sheet: Lay each formed breadstick on a baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with parchment, but it usually isn't necessary.

Baking

  1. Bake: Bake in a preheated 400℉/200℃ for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Cool: Remove and place the tray on a cooling rack. After they cool for about 2 minutes, carefully transfer the breadsticks to the cooling rack. They are fragile at this point, so use a turner or a spatula to move them. Allow them to cool another 2 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Keto Breadsticks

  • Don't Overbake: Overcooking can result in crispy or burnt breadsticks. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.
  • Moisture Removal: Make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. When you feel like you've gotten as much as you can out unroll the towel and allow it to rest for several minutes then try again. Do not skip the second step, the zucchini needs to be extremely dry.
  • Dough Thickness: When patting out the “dough,” take care not to pat it too thinly. Imagine the texture of a regular breadstick verses a thin crust pizza.
  • Spice Control: If you plan to pair these with a flavored dip or spread, consider dialing back on the garlic and herbs in the breadsticks themselves.
  • Lining the pan Lining the pan with a sheet of parchment paper is essential (unless you use a non-stick baking pan). It is so frustrating to peel the cheese out of the pan-and they come out looking nothing like breadsticks!

Serving Suggestions

These keto breadsticks are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Dipping Sauces

  • Marinara or Tomato Sauce: A classic pairing that complements the cheesy flavor.
  • Lemon and Herb Sauce: A bright and tasty option that adds a zesty twist.
  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy and flavorful choice for dipping.
  • Blue Cheese Dressing: A bold and tangy option for those who love blue cheese.

Meal Pairings

  • Keto Eggplant Parmesan: A light, cheesy, and utterly delicious Italian feast.
  • Low-Carb Meatballs: A match made in snacking heaven.
  • Spicy Tuscan Kale and Sausage Soup: A warm and hearty soup that pairs perfectly with the breadsticks.
  • Authentic Bolognese Sauce: A rich and meaty sauce that elevates the breadsticks to a decadent experience.
  • Instant Pot Pizza Soup: These cheesy zucchini breadsticks really make an Italian-flavored meal for me!
  • Keto Pizza Stuffed Peppers:
  • Italian Chopped Salad:
  • Easy Keto Italian Pepperoni Wrap:

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These keto breadsticks are easy to store and reheat, so you can enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: For short-term storage, place leftover breadsticks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap the breadsticks 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

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the breadsticks for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Place the breadsticks in your air fryer and air fry on 300℉/150℃ for 3-5 minutes.
  • Microwave: You can reheat in the microwave, but it does make it a bit soggy.

Croutons

If you want to turn leftover breadsticks into croutons, cut them in bite-size pieces and toss in a few teaspoons of oil. Bake at 250℉/120℃ for about 25 minutes or until they are crunchy all the way through. You can also use your air fryer on the lowest heat setting, but watch them closely because you don't want them to get too dark before they dry out and get crunchy or they can end up with a funny flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can make as much of the keto dough as you want. Simply increase all the ingredients and keep the baking time the same.

Are Keto Breadsticks Gluten Free?

This recipe for keto breadsticks is gluten-free as long as the spices you use don't have any gluten in them. Most dried spices are gluten-free, but it is important to read the labels and know where they are packaged to determine if there is any chance of cross-contamination. Spice blends like premixed rubs can sometimes contain wheat or barley, so it is especially important to read the labels when purchasing and using these types of spice blends.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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