Breadsticks can easily go stale and hard if not stored properly after being baked. When it’s time to eat them, the last thing you want is to bite into a breadstick that is dry, cracking, and overly chewy. Thankfully, there are methods you can use to reheat breadsticks and return them to their original soft, pillowy texture. With the right techniques, you can revive breadsticks so they taste like they just came fresh from the oven.
Should You Microwave Breadsticks to Reheat Them?
Microwaving is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reheat breadsticks. However, this method often leads to breadsticks that are rubbery, soggy, or unevenly heated. The high heat of a microwave can cause moisture in the breadsticks to boil, creating a gummy texture. It can also toughen up the exterior before the interior is warmed through.
Microwaving is best reserved for quick reheating of a single breadstick or two. Make sure to use lower power and heat in short intervals, checking frequently. This prevents overcooking. While microwaving isn’t ideal for a whole batch, it can work in a pinch.
Use the Oven for Even Heating
The best way to reheat a full tray of breadsticks is in the oven. This allows them to warm gradually and evenly throughout. The dry ambient heat crisps up the exterior while bringing the center up to temperature.
Preheat your oven to 300°F to 325°F. Arrange breadsticks on a baking sheet in a single layer so they aren’t crowded. Bake for 5-10 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Check frequently to avoid overbaking.
For faster reheating, you can use a higher temperature of around 350°F. Keep an eye on the breadsticks after just a few minutes so they don’t dry out.
Take Advantage of the Toaster Oven
A toaster oven provides faster reheating than a conventional oven, making it ideal for breadsticks. The smaller space and direct heating curl up the edges and crisp the exterior.
Place breadsticks on the rack of a toaster oven and set the temperature between 300°F and 350°F. Bake sticks for 2-5 minutes until just warm and toasted. Check frequently and remove promptly once reheated.
You can also use the toast function to heat breadsticks one at a time. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Use Your Grill for Added Crunch
For extra crunch and texture, throw breadsticks on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. The char from the grill adds smoky flavor while crisping up the exterior.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place breadsticks directly on the grates and cook 1-2 minutes per side until warmed through with nice grill marks. Try brushing sticks with a little olive oil or melted butter before grilling for extra richness.
Wrap in a Damp Paper Towel for the Microwave
If you need to microwave breadsticks, the steam from a damp paper towel can help prevent them from drying out. Wrap breadsticks in a paper towel moistened with water before microwaving. The towel traps steam to keep the bread from toughening up.
Heat in 30 second intervals, replacing the towel with a fresh moist one each time. This constantly steams and softens the breadstick as it reheats. Monitor closely so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Use an Air Fryer for Quick Crisping
An air fryer makes it easy to reheat breadsticks until they are crispy on the outside and heated through. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to mimic deep frying.
Place breadsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Set temperature to 300°F-350°F and cook 2-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even heating.
You can also brush sticks with oil or butter before air frying for extra crunch and richness.
Steam Them for Ultimate Softness
Steaming is a gentle reheating method that tenderizes breadsticks so they regain their softness. The moist heat stops the dough from drying out.
To steam:
1. Bring water to a boil in a pot with a steamer basket or colander fitted on top.
2. Add breadsticks in a single layer, cover, and steam 3-5 minutes until hot.
3. Remove sticks immediately once steamed to avoid sogginess.
Consider Reheating in Stock or Broth
For added flavor, you can reheat breadsticks in broth, stock, or oil. Heating them in liquid helps retain moisture so they don’t harden.
Try dipping breadsticks briefly in chicken or vegetable stock. Or quickly sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until warmed through and lightly crisped. Just watch closely to avoid making them soggy.
Use Your Breadsticks Right Away
To get the best results when reheating breadsticks, serve and eat them immediately. Any method of reheating will gradually cause breadsticks to lose moisture and toughen up over time.
For best texture and taste, only reheat what you plan to eat within the next 10-15 minutes. Avoid reheating an entire batch if you will be eating them over time.
Store and Reheat Breadsticks Properly
Proper storage after baking can minimize the amount of reheating needed. Here are some tips:
– Let baked breadsticks cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
– Keep breadsticks in an airtight container or bag.
– For longer shelf life, store in the fridge to retain softness. Allow to come to room temperature before reheating.
– Freeze breadsticks in a single layer then transfer to bags. Reheat frozen sticks directly from freezer.
– Never keep breadsticks at room temperature more than 2 hours after baking.
Try Adding Flavor Before Reheating
You can add spices, herbs, cheese, and other flavors to revive day-old breadsticks before reheating. Here are some tasty mix-ins to try:
– Grated parmesan, asiago, or romano cheese
– Minced garlic or garlic powder
– Italian seasoning or dried basil, oregano, and parsley
– Cinnamon and sugar
– Lemon zest
– Chili powder or cayenne pepper
Simply mix seasonings into a little melted butter or olive oil and brush onto breadsticks before reheating. Or feel free to roll sticks directly in spices or grated cheeses for flavoring. Get creative!
Conclusion
With the right reheating techniques, you can easily bring breadsticks back to life. Methods like oven heating, steaming, and grilling are gentle enough to rehydrate the dough without toughening it up. Just avoid extended microwaving and only reheat what you plan to eat right away for the best results.
With a few simple tricks and proper storage, you can enjoy breadsticks again and again without the frustration of rocks instead of rolls. So rescue those leftovers from the back of the fridge and rediscover just how good a revived breadstick can be.