These Cheesy Carrot Flatbread Sticks are a delightful and surprisingly simple savory snack or appetizer. The image showcases several elongated, golden-brown sticks, generously speckled with dark seeds and spices, suggesting the presence of an “everything bagel” type seasoning. You can also see visible flecks of orange, indicating finely grated carrots that are beautifully integrated into the dough, giving these sticks a subtle sweetness and moist texture. A bubbly, melted cheese crust adheres to the outside, promising a satisfyingly crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. These flatbread sticks are an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into a delicious and family-friendly snack, perfect for dipping, complementing a meal, or simply enjoying on their own.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk (or plain yogurt for a tangier flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- ½ cup (50g) finely grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella), divided
- 2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Grater (for carrots and cheese)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures the leavening agent and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk the large egg.
- Add the milk (or yogurt) and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the whisked egg. Mix until well combined.
- Mix Dough and Add Carrots & Cheese:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or a sturdy spoon, mix until a shaggy dough begins to form. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Add the finely grated carrots and ¾ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the dough.
- Continue to mix gently until the carrots and cheese are just incorporated into the dough. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Shape the Flatbread Sticks:
- Lightly dust your work surface with a small amount of flour.
- Transfer the dough onto the floured surface. Gently press and shape the dough into a rectangle, approximately 10×12 inches (25×30 cm) and about ½-inch thick. You can use your hands or a lightly floured rolling pin.
- Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough rectangle into long, even sticks, about 1-inch wide and 4-5 inches long. You should get about 10-12 sticks, depending on your desired size.
- Carefully transfer the cut flatbread sticks to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Top and Bake:
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese with the 2 tablespoons of Everything Bagel Seasoning. Toss gently to mix.
- Brush the tops of the flatbread sticks with a little extra olive oil.
- Generously sprinkle the cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning mixture over the tops of the flatbread sticks. Press lightly to help the toppings adhere.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the flatbread sticks are golden brown around the edges, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are crisped. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven and the thickness of your sticks.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the Cheesy Carrot Flatbread Sticks from the oven.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm. These flatbread sticks are fantastic on their own, or they can be served with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a creamy herb dip for an even more satisfying snack. They are a wonderful addition to any appetizer spread or a fun side to a casual meal.