Pesto parmesan breadsticks project the essence of rustic Italian cuisine in a simple, bite-sized stick of genius. The earthy pesto combined with the crisp bite of parmesan creates an awesome treat with minimal effort.
A classic kitchen scenario: you have some leftover pizza dough, lying sadly in your refrigerator for days. The initial plan was to whip up one more pizza, but alas, you’re out of toppings. However, tucked away in a corner is some pesto, and the last remnants of parmesan cheese are still lingering in the fridge. Instead of letting these precious ingredients succumb to oblivion, why not repurpose them?
This is an excellent opportunity to dive into the ultra simple art of creating pesto parmesan breadsticks, the classic Italian restaurant snack. The pizza dough, initially destined for another purpose, serves as an ideal canvas for vibrant Italian flavors. 
With just a little creativity, these pesto parmesan breadsticks become a homemade reality. And this is not just a quick solution to salvage remaining ingredients, in fact – I’d suggest you actually go out and buy the ingredients with the specific purpose of whipping up this awesome appetizer.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
- First, get your oven ready by setting it to preheat at a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, now’s the time to put it inside the oven. If you don’t, a regular baking sheet will suffice.
- While your oven is preheating, take out the pizza dough and slice it into six to eight equal portions, depending on the number of breadsticks you’re aiming to produce.
- Once your dough is portioned, take each piece and gently roll it into an elongated shape that mirrors a traditional breadstick.
- With your dough shaped and ready, take a moment to gently brush each piece with a layer of your chosen pesto, making sure to cover all areas for an even flavor profile.
- After the pesto has been applied, it’s time to sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese. Like the pesto, ensure that it’s evenly distributed across each breadstick.
- Here comes the fun part. Twist each dough stick using your fingers, adding a playful, artisan touch to your breadsticks. Once twisted, carefully place each stick onto your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Finally, bake the breadsticks in your preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, and once they turn a beautiful shade of golden brown, you know they’re ready. Enjoy your homemade pesto and parmesan breadsticks!
Rustic Pesto Parmesan Breadsticks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Bold Italian flavors in every bite! These pesto parmesan breadsticks are a perfect appetizer or snack – so easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 portion pizza dough
- 1/4 cup your favorite pesto
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with pizza stone inside.
- Cut pizza dough into 6–8 equal parts.
- Roll each piece into a long stick shape.
- Brush with pesto and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Twist the dough and place on the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake breadsticks for 10–15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Notes
- For a stronger pesto flavor, use a store-bought pesto with a high basil content.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, baking on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works well, but baking time may need to be slightly increased.
- To prevent the breadsticks from sticking to the pizza stone or baking sheet, lightly dust with cornmeal before placing them on.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 breadsticks
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for the Rustic Pesto and Parmesan Breadsticks?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time.
How do I know when the breadsticks are done baking?
The breadsticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven.
What should I do if I don’t have pesto on hand?
If you don’t have pesto, you can make your own quickly by blending basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts, or you can try using a different herb-based spread.
