Cheesy Pepperoni Bliss Sticks
Indulge in these irresistible Cheesy Pepperoni Bliss Sticks, an elevated twist on traditional pizza that merges the excitement of finger food with heartwarming flavor. Perfectly soft and chewy, these delightfully cheesy breadsticks are nestled with savory pepperoni, making each bite a comforting explosion of taste. They're not just a delicious snack; they're versatile enough to serve as a satisfying lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a convenient grab-and-go dinner option. Involve the little ones in the fun of preparing these tasty treats, and watch their faces light up as they devour each stick! Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal that will leave everyone smiling and satisfied. While you can use store-bought pizza dough for ease, there's truly nothing like the satisfaction of making it from scratch.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/2 cups (All-purpose flour, measured)
sugar
1 teaspoon (Granulated sugar)
salt
1 teaspoon (Table salt)
oil
2 tablespoons (Oil, preferably olive or vegetable)
warm water
1 cup (Heated to about 110°F (43°C))
yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (Active dry yeast)
mozzarella string cheese
8 pieces (Cut in half)
pepperoni slices
48 slices (Standard pepperoni slices)
butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated recommended)
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (Dried blend)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (Dried garlic powder)
pizza sauce
to taste (For dipping)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Pizza Dough: Begin by mixing 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast into 1 cup of warm water, allowing it to activate for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Gradually pour in the activated yeast mixture, and mix thoroughly using a dough hook until a cohesive dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add additional flour, a tablespoon at a time.
3
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it sit in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes.
4
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
5
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 evenly sized rectangles.
6
On each rectangle, lay down 3 slices of pepperoni and place half of a mozzarella string cheese stick in the center.
7
Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges securely to seal, ensuring no cheese or pepperoni can escape during baking. Repeat this process for all the dough pieces.
8
Place the prepared pizza sticks onto a greased baking sheet or a baking stone, ensuring they have a little space between them.
9
Brush each stick with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to give them a golden exterior as they bake.
10
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Evenly sprinkle this seasoning mixture over each stick.
11
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
12
Serve warm with pizza sauce on the side for dipping and savor the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Pepperoni Bliss Sticks?
Cheesy Pepperoni Bliss Sticks are an elevated twist on traditional pizza, featuring soft and chewy breadsticks filled with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe provides instructions for homemade dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough for ease and convenience.
How many sticks does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 16 individual cheesy pepperoni sticks.
How long do the sticks need to bake?
Bake the sticks in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 18 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What type of cheese is used inside the sticks?
The recipe calls for mozzarella string cheese, with each piece cut in half to fit inside the dough rectangles.
How many pepperoni slices go into each stick?
Each dough rectangle is filled with 3 slices of pepperoni along with the cheese.
How long should I let the yeast activate?
The yeast should be mixed with warm water and allowed to activate for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What is the ideal temperature for the warm water?
The water should be heated to approximately 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
How long does the dough need to rise?
After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the dough into a large rectangle that is approximately 1/4 inch thick before cutting into smaller pieces.
What ingredients are in the topping seasoning?
The topping is a mixture of 2 teaspoons of grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What should I brush on the sticks before adding the seasoning?
Brush each stick with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to ensure a golden, flavorful exterior.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein.
How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges securely to seal them before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a very kid-friendly recipe, and involving children in the preparation process is encouraged.
What should I serve with these bliss sticks?
They are best served warm with a side of pizza sauce for dipping and can be paired with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of measured all-purpose flour.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky while mixing, add additional flour one tablespoon at a time until a cohesive dough forms.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What kind of oil should I use in the dough?
You can use 2 tablespoons of oil, preferably olive or vegetable oil.
Can I use a baking stone?
Yes, you can place the prepared sticks onto either a greased baking sheet or a baking stone.
What type of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
Is there sugar in the dough?
Yes, the dough includes 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to help feed the yeast and add flavor.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Absolutely, they are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or a grab-and-go dinner option.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The dough requires 1 teaspoon of table salt.
What are the main flavors of the seasoning?
The seasoning provides a savory blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and salty parmesan.
How do I cut the dough into rectangles?
You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to divide the rolled-out dough into 16 even rectangles.
Can I substitute the pepperoni?
While the recipe specifies pepperoni, you could potentially substitute with other deli meats or vegetables if desired.
Should the parmesan be fresh?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor in the seasoning mix.
What is the total preparation time for the dough?
Preparation involves 5 minutes for yeast activation, about 5-10 minutes for mixing and kneading, and 30 minutes for rising.