I Turned Viral Cheese Bread Into Lunchbox Cheese Sticks…

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Warm Water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2.25 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (or 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp); quick-rise works too)
• 3.25 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 2 tablespoons Caramelized Onion Garlic Butter (store‑bought Kinder brand or homemade)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Cracker Barrel double cheddar or any sharp cheddar)
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (fresh or low‑moisture mozzarella, shredded)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for brushing)

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast

   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C) with 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 1–2 minutes; no need to wait for foaming.

   Time: PT2M

2. Add Dry Ingredients and Butter

   Add 3¼ cups sifted all‑purpose flour, 2 Tbsp caramelized onion garlic butter, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

   Time: PT10M

3. First Rise

   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.

   Time: PT1H30M

4. Shape Cheese Sticks

   Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently flatten to about ½‑inch thickness. Cut into strips (about 1 inch wide) and place on a parchment‑lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of each stick if desired.

   Time: PT10M

5. Brush with Garlic Butter

   Melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter and combine with the remaining caramelized onion garlic butter. Brush the mixture generously over each stick.

   Time: PT5M

6. Bake

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cheese sticks for 13 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.

   Time: PT13M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Cool and Serve

   Remove from oven, let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with marinara sauce or enjoy plain.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

150

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

0 g