Description
Delicious homemade Bosco Sticks featuring soft, golden-baked bread filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with Parmesan, served with a flavorful marinara and red pesto dipping sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for family and friends.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour + 2 tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
Toppings and Filling
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 8 mozzarella cheese string sticks
Dipping Sauce
- ⅓ cup marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons red pesto sauce
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Make a well in the center and add extra virgin olive oil and lukewarm water. Stir the ingredients with a spatula until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured kitchen surface and knead it until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with dough hook attachment to knead the dough thoroughly, ensuring a good gluten structure.
- Proof the dough: Place the kneaded dough in a clean, slightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, which typically takes about 45 minutes.
- Prepare the Bosco sticks: Preheat the oven to 375℉ (190℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough to remove excess air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x8-inch rectangle.
- Shape the sticks: Cut the dough into 8 even strips. Place one mozzarella string stick in the center of each strip. Fold the dough around the cheese to seal it completely, then roll the sticks into logs and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Brush each dough stick with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese to add a savory crust.
- Bake the Bosco sticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the sticks are lightly golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: While baking, combine marinara sauce and red pesto sauce in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside until serving.
- Serve: Remove the Bosco sticks from the oven and serve warm alongside the prepared marinara and red pesto dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
- Ensure water is lukewarm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For a crispier crust, brush the sticks with garlic butter instead of plain melted butter.
- Use fresh mozzarella sticks to avoid excessive moisture in the dough.
- These sticks are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
