We recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the blog running. See our full disclosure here.
Sourdough Chive Grissini: Customizable Italian-Style Breadsticks Recipe
Sourdough is the best! Our sourdough starter, often called a mother, gives birth to many fun creations. I try to incorporate sourdough weekly in our kitchen escapades. From traditional and delicious sourdough bread to dinner rolls, breakfast pastries, muffins, cookies, and more–there’s always something sourdough on our table. Sometimes when I’m entertaining or just feeling whimsical, I like to make a batch of sourdough grissini (aka sourdough breadsticks). These Italian-style breadsticks are elongated, crunchy–and make a dramatic statement wherever they are placed. The recipe is easy to make as long as you have a few hours for the bread to do its fermentation thing. And there are numerous variations you can make.
Sourdough Breadstick Customizations
Depending on how fancy you wish to get with these breadsticks, the sky is the limit! When entertaining I like to add toppings like black/white sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and everything-bagel seasoning. This gives people options as well as adds visual interest. When I make these for a fun afternoon snack, plain will do. The recipe below incorporates chives into the dough with the option to add cheese.
Healthy Grains
Another benefit of fermentation is that it also promotes the production of beneficial compounds like lactic acid and acetic acid. These compounds can support gut health and contribute to a balanced microbiome.
I added whole wheat grains into this sourdough grissini recipe as I tend to do in my recipes for baked goods. While fermentation increases the nutritional value of the bread, whole wheat contributes fiber and minerals as well as enhanced flavor.
The Versatility of Sourdough Breadsticks
I could come up with countless ideas on how to use these versatile grissini. Whether you use them to adorn a spread of snacks or accompany a meal, there are many ways to enjoy them.
How to Serve Grissini
Here are a few pairing ideas where these long and crunchy breadsticks would shine:
- Charcuterie Board: Arrange the grissini on a charcuterie board alongside an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruits for an elegant appetizer spread.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the grissini with dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, or flavored/seasoned olive oil for dipping.
- Soup or Salad: Pair the grissini with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad for a satisfying and crunchy accompaniment.
- Cheese Platter: Include the grissini on a cheese platter alongside different types of cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts.
- Tapas or Mezze Platter: Incorporate the grissini into a tapas or mezze platter featuring an array of Mediterranean-inspired small plates such as stuffed grape leaves, falafel, marinated vegetables, and dips.
- Antipasto Platter: Add the grissini to an antipasto platter with marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and Italian cured meats.
- Picnic Snack: Pack the grissini in a picnic basket with other finger foods like sandwiches, fresh fruit, veggies, and dessert for a portable outdoor meal.
- Cheese Fondue: Dip the grissini into a bubbling pot of cheese fondue for a fun and interactive party appetizer.
- Bruschetta Bar: Make the grissini a tad thicker and serve alongside a bruschetta bar with different toppings such as tomato and basil, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper, and goat cheese for guests to assemble their bruschetta creations.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy the grissini on their own as a crunchy and satisfying snack any time of day, whether it’s mid-morning, afternoon, or evening.
Sourdough Chive Grissini Pairings
The Sourdough Chive Grissini breadsticks recipe below pairs well with the above options and a few other things. Smoked salmon dip, a spring salad, or scrambled eggs come to mind. Some other ideas would be to serve them with herbed goat cheese, Italian food, or to accompany a creamy soup.
Sourdough Chive Grissini
Ingredients
- 180 grams bread flour about 1 1/3 cups
- 75 grams whole wheat flour about 1/2 cup
- 120 grams water about 1/2 cup
- 75 grams ripe sourdough starter 100% hydration
- 30 grams extra-virgin olive oil plus more for coating (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 pinches of cane sugar
- 5 grams fine sea salt about 1 teaspoon
- 30 grams chopped fresh chives about 1/4 cup
- 45-55 grams cheese 55g or 1/2 cup grated cheddar, Gouda or Havarti or 45 grams Parmesan
Instructions
Mix Dough (10 minutes)
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, water, sourdough starter, 30 grams of olive oil, cane sugar, and salt until combined.
- Sprinkle chopped chives over the dough and gently fold them into the dough. If adding cheese, add the grated cheese and fold in as well.
- Knead the dough on the counter or in your mixer for 5 minutes, until the dough comes together and is smoother.
Preshape Into a Rectangle (5 min)
- Use your hands to form the dough into a long narrow rectangle, about 12 inches by 3 inches.
- Place the rectangle on an oiled parchment paper and cover the dough with greased plastic wrap to keep the dough from sticking when rising.
Proof (3 hours)
- Let the dough rise at room temperature (~76°F/24°C) for 3 hours, until puffy.
Shape (10 minutes to shape, 20 minutes to preheat oven)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper.
- After carefully uncovering your dough, use a bench scraper to cut short (½-inch) strips creating space between each piece as you go. You should have about 20, 3 x ½ inch pieces.
- Take a strip of cut dough by each end and stretch it to about 12 inches long, like pulling taffy. Place each stretched piece onto the prepared sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining pieces, spacing them apart on the pan.
Bake (25 minutes)
- Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until the golden and crispy.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes.
- Serve the Sourdough Chive Grissini warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled grissini in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to protect them from moisture and air.
- Re-Crisping: If the grissini start to lose their crispiness over time, you can re-crisp them by briefly heating them in a low oven (about 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes until they are warm and crisp again.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with smoked salmon dip, a fresh spring salad, or scrambled eggs for a delightful meal. They also go well with herbed goat cheese, Italian dishes, and creamy soups. Or simply enjoy them on their own or with a quality olive oil for an easy and satisfying snack.
- Other Flavoring Suggestions:
- Experiment with different herbs or spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor of your grissini.
- Leave the grissini plain or roll them in sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for added flavor and texture.
If you’re interested in other herb-related recipes, below are some unique recipes from our herb how-to series.
I love the onion-y herbal note the chive gives these breadsticks. Next time I think I’ll add some havarti because it pairs so well with chives.