Elegant breadsticks dome centerpiece (Print Version)

Delicate breadsticks form a dome around a luxurious selection of fine cheeses for an impressive centerpiece.

# What You'll Need:

→ Breadsticks

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2/3 cup lukewarm water
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 egg yolk (for glaze)
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

→ Cheese Selection

09 - 3.5 oz triple-cream Brie, cut into cubes
10 - 3.5 oz aged Comté, cut into cubes
11 - 2.8 oz truffled goat cheese, shaped into small balls
12 - 2.8 oz blue cheese (e.g., Roquefort), crumbled
13 - 1.75 oz Parmigiano Reggiano, shaved

→ Accompaniments (optional)

14 - 1 small bunch seedless red grapes
15 - 2 tablespoons honey or fig jam
16 - Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary), for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
02 - Cover the dough and leave it in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
03 - Preheat oven to 390°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
04 - Divide dough into 18 to 20 pieces and roll each into a thin stick approximately 1/8 inch thick and 10 inches long.
05 - Place breadsticks on the prepared tray, brush lightly with egg yolk glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
06 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once during baking, until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool completely.
07 - Arrange the assorted cheeses in a mound at the center of a serving platter. Add grapes, honey or fig jam, and fresh herbs if using.
08 - Carefully build a dome of breadsticks over the cheese pile, using the cheeses and breadsticks for structural support. For extra stability, gently press breadsticks into the cheese or use a small bowl as a mold, then remove it.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning on the table, which means your guests will be impressed before they even taste it.
  • The buttery, crispy breadsticks contrast beautifully with the creamy, tangy, and bold cheeses, so every bite feels intentional.
  • Most of the work happens before guests arrive, so you can actually enjoy the moment instead of panicking in the kitchen.
02 -
  • Lukewarm water is non-negotiable for yeast activation—I learned this the hard way when I used cold water and ended up with a dough that refused to rise, wasting an hour waiting for nothing to happen.
  • The breadsticks need to be completely cool and crisp before assembly, or they'll become bendy and collapse under their own weight, ruining the dome effect.
  • Building the dome is easier if you work slowly and let gravity be your friend; breadsticks naturally want to lean on each other once you find the right angle.
03 -
  • If the breadsticks start to soften or bend during assembly, pop them back in a warm oven for 2 to 3 minutes to re-crisp them—this is a lifesaver if you're running behind.
  • The dome is sturdier than it looks, but if you're nervous, you can gently press a few breadsticks into the cheese pile for extra stability without anyone ever knowing it's there.
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