One thing you should know about me, I am a wimp when it comes to anything spicy! But here's the problem... I love spicy foods!
If you, like me, are spice averse make sure to deseed the peppers before you mix them into the dough. If you like a little bit more spice, then feel free to keep the seeds in the peppers while you dice them, but no matter what... make sure you wash your hands after dicing the jalapeños!
These breadsticks are the perfect addition to a bowl of chili or a Mexican fiesta shabbat menu including fajitas, burrito bowls, or tortilla soup.
YIELD: 16 Breadsticks
1 Tablespoon Instant Yeast
1 Cup warm water
2 large eggs, beaten
¾ Cup sugar
1 Teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup canola oil
2 Jalapeño peppers, deseeded and diced small
1 Cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded plus 1/2 cup to top breadsticks
4-5 Cups all purpose flour
Whisk together the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until yeast starts to bubble.
Beat in the eggs, oil, and salt.
Using a strong spatula (or the dough hook of your mixer) mix in flour to yeast mixture. Once almost incorporated, add in the jalapeño and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
Once the dough is fully mixed, turn onto a floured surface and knead for five to ten minutes. (If you don’t knead the dough well enough, the breadsticks will not hold its shape when it is braided.)
Grease a large bowl with spray oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel and put in the oven to proof. (Make sure the oven is off!) Proof until the dough is doubled in size about 45 minutes-1 hour.
Once proofed, turn the dough onto a floured surface and cut into 16 equal portions. Take one of the 16 portions and cut into 3 equal portions. Shape each of the three portions into a rope, about 6 inches long. Using your palm, press the three ropes together at the top and begin to braid the dough. Once finished braiding, tuck each of the ends under to create a more finished/clean look. complete with all portions of dough. Let proof for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is heating beat one egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash over the top of the loaves. Bake the breadsticks for 25-30 minutes, sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the breadsticks 7 minutes before they are done.
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