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Perfect Soup Bar Charcuterie with 3 Toppings and Easy Homemade Breadsticks

soup bar charcuterie - featured image

A cozy and interactive soup bar featuring three savory toppings and easy homemade garlic herb breadsticks, perfect for casual entertaining or a comforting solo dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (240 ml, around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil mix)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (240 g, whole milk)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup olive tapenade (120 g)
  • ⅓ cup toasted mixed seeds (45 g; pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Optional add-ons: crumbled feta or goat cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto or salami, chopped roasted red peppers

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until combined.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a mixer for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6-inch breadstick shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Cover breadsticks and let rest for 20-30 minutes to puff up slightly.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush breadsticks with olive oil and sprinkle extra garlic powder or herbs if desired. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp.
  8. While breadsticks bake, whisk ricotta with lemon zest and a pinch of salt until smooth. Toast mixed seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  9. Arrange ricotta, olive tapenade, toasted seeds, and chopped parsley in small bowls. Serve with warm breadsticks and your favorite soup.

Notes

Dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before second rise. For gluten-free breadsticks, substitute almond flour and tapioca starch. Dairy-free options include cashew-based cheese or coconut yogurt mixed with nutritional yeast. Watch baking time closely to avoid burning. Toast seeds in small batches for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: soup bar, charcuterie, breadsticks, homemade breadsticks, ricotta topping, olive tapenade, toasted seeds, easy appetizer, casual entertaining