Cheezy Breadsticks

The other day I made some Frito pie (as Uncle Jessie says, Have Mercy, cause it was so good). I had half a bag of Daiya leftover and needed a way to use it up, but wanted something more epic than my go-to grilled cheese. These cheezy breadsticks are crispy and garlicky, and perfect to dip into pizza sauce (or pesto!). Yes you have to have some patience as the dough rises, but it's so worth it!

You can eat these as an appetizer. But my sister and I ate it for our main course while binging on Netflix. Don't judge. 

Cheezy Breadsticks
2 C flour (+ more)
2 tsp active dry yeast
1 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp EVOO
3/4 C warm (not boiling, you want to activate, not kill the yeast)
1/2 package Daiya cheddar shreds
2-3 Tbsp Earth Balance butter
4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
oregano
fresh basil
cornmeal (optional)

1. In a small bowl whisk together yeast, sugar, and warm water. Set aside for about 5 minutes. At this point you should see the yeast bloom and create some "foam".

2. In a large bowl sift together half the flour and salt. 

3. When it's ready, add the yeast mixture and EVOO to the large bowl. Stir until clump free.

4. Little by little add the rest of the flour. Mix until it forms a sticky ball.

5. On a clean surface sprinkle some flour. Add dough ball and knead at least 5 minutes. Adding more flour as you go.

6. In a large, clean, and lightly oiled bowl add the dough ball. Cover the top of the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let rise about an hour or until doubled.

7. (preheat oven to 375 F). Grease baking sheet or sprinkle a layer of corn meal. Punch down dough in the bowl and stretch it over the baking sheet (use a rolling pin if you want).

8. Sprinkle dough generously with oregano. Brush on melted butter and minced garlic.

9. Sprinkle cheese shreds in an even layer and bake for about 15 minutes. Ovens vary so keep an eye on yours. In the last few minutes of cooking add some chopped fresh basil to the top.

10. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes. Slice into breadstick strips or serve as a flatbread. Serve with your favorite pizza sauce or pesto.