Bosco sticks are a popular appetizer or side dish found on many Italian restaurant menus. They consist of breadsticks coated in a combination of butter, garlic, and herbs. When baked, the breadsticks become crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. The garlic, herbs, and butter give them a savory flavor that makes them hard to resist. Bosco sticks make a tasty accompaniment to many dishes and are often served with marinara sauce for dipping. Their origins can be traced back to an Italian bakery, but they have since become a staple on American Italian restaurant menus. Here we will explore the history of bosco sticks, how they are made, different ways to serve them, and some tips for making them at home.
History of Bosco Sticks
Bosco sticks were invented in the 1950s by an Italian immigrant baker named Johnny Maggio. Maggio opened up a bakery in St. Louis, Missouri called Colonial Baking Company. He began experimenting with different bread recipes including long, thin breadsticks. To give them more flavor, he started coating the breadsticks in a mix of garlic, herbs, butter, and parmesan. The aromatic sticks quickly became a hit with customers who loved the tasty combination.
Maggio decided to name the breadsticks after Saint John Bosco as a nod to his Italian heritage. In Italian, “bosco” means woodland or forest. Saint John Bosco was a priest in the 1800s who helped underprivileged youth. He was later canonized as a saint. The name Bosco sticks stuck and their popularity continued to grow.
As Italian food became more mainstream in America in the 1970s, bosco sticks started appearing on the menus at Italian restaurants around the country. They were an appetizing and inexpensive option that allowed restaurants to make use of excess pizza dough. Bosco sticks are still found at many Italian restaurants today as either an appetizer or side dish. They are a tasty Italian-American creation with origins tracing back to Maggio’s bakery.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in bosco sticks are simple – breadsticks, butter, garlic, and herbs. Here is an overview of the key components:
Breadsticks
The base for bosco sticks is usually a pizza dough that is shaped into long thin breadsticks. Restaurants may make their own dough, but pre-made frozen breadstick dough can also be used for convenience. The dough is rolled out into rope-like strips approximately 1/2 inch thick before baking.
Butter
Butter is brushed on the breadsticks before baking to give them a rich flavor. Salted butter is most commonly used as it provides a layer of savory flavor. Clarified butter or melted butter works best as it can thoroughly coat the breadsticks.
Garlic
Finely minced garlic is added to the butter to give the bosco sticks a zesty, aromatic garlic punch. Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can also be used.
Herbs
Italian herb seasoning blends are commonly used to give bosco sticks their signature flavor. These mixes contain herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. The herbs infuse the butter with an earthy, robust taste.
In addition to these core ingredients, parmesan cheese is sometimes sprinkled on top of the sticks before baking for extra flavor. Other potential coatings include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or a mixture of garlic salt and paprika. The butter, garlic, and herbs are essential for making bosco sticks, while the other additions can vary.
How Bosco Sticks Are Made
Making bosco sticks requires just a few steps:
Shape the Dough
First, pizza or breadstick dough is stretched out into long thin strips about 1/2 inch thick and 10-12 inches long. These will form the breadsticks. The dough needs to be thin enough so the sticks become crispy when baked.
Mix Herb Butter
Next, the coating is prepared by melting butter and mixing in minced garlic and Italian herb seasoning. Allowing the mixture to sit for 10 minutes allows the flavors to fully infuse. Grated parmesan can also be added at this stage.
Brush on Butter
Using a pastry brush, generously coat each breadstick on all sides with the herb butter mixture.
Bake
Finally, the sticks are arranged on a baking sheet and baked at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Baking gives them a crispy, crunchy texture.
Optional Toppings
Once out of the oven, additional toppings like parmesan, garlic salt, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds can be sprinkled on top for extra flavor and crunch.
And that’s it – just dough, butter, and seasoning transformed into delicious bosco sticks! The simple preparation is why they are so popular on restaurant menus.
How to Serve Bosco Sticks
There are several classic ways bosco sticks are served in restaurants:
As an Appetizer
Bosco sticks are commonly presented as an appetizer for the table to enjoy before meals. The breadsticks are arranged in a basket or on a plate for easy sharing. Their snacking size makes them perfect for whetting appetites.
With Sauce
Serving bosco sticks with a dipping sauce is customary. Marinara and alfredo sauces pair especially well. The sauce adds extra flavor and moisture.
With Soups or Salads
For a lighter meal option, bosco sticks may be served alongside soups or salads. They make a tasty accompaniment without being too filling.
As a Side Dish
Italians restaurants often serve bosco sticks as a replacement for generic dinner rolls or bread. The sticks complement popular entrees like pasta, chicken parmesan, or seafood dishes.
For Dessert
For a sweet treat, cinnamon-sugar coated bosco sticks can be served as dessert. Dipping them in icing, chocolate, or caramel sauce satisfies sweet tooths.
Bosco sticks are adaptable enough to be served at various courses. Their versatility makes them a go-to menu item.
Pairing Bosco Sticks with Other Foods and Drinks
Here are some recommended pairings for bosco sticks:
Marinara or Alfredo Sauce
The standard dipping sauce for bosco sticks is marinara or alfredo. The savory tomato flavor of marinara and the creamy richness of alfredo complement the garlic-herb flavors.
Beer or Wine
Bosco sticks pair nicely with beers like lagers, Hefeweizens, or ales. Chianti wine also matches well. The breadsticks hold up nicely when paired with alcohol.
Salad
A fresh salad balances out the richness of bosco sticks. Caesar, Italian chopped, or Caprese salads make good combinations.
Pasta Entrees
Buttery, garlicky bosco sticks blend nicely with classic Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti with meatballs or baked ziti.
Soup
For dipping, pair bosco sticks with Italian wedding soup, minestrone, or tomato basil soup. The brothiness of the soup complements the texture.
Chicken or Veal
Dishes like chicken parmesan, chicken marsala, or veal piccata are natural pairings. The bosco sticks match the Italian flavors.
Experiment to find your own favorite bosco stick combinations! Their versatility allows them to be served in many ways.
Popular Variations
While the classic bosco stick contains just breadsticks, garlic-herb butter, and parmesan, some variations have emerged:
Cheesy Bosco Sticks
For extra cheesiness, some recipes add shredded mozzarella or provolone to the herb butter coating or on top as an additional sprinkle.
Pepperoni Bosco Sticks
Chopped pepperoni is mixed into the butter to give a pizza-inspired flavor.
Jalapeño Bosco Sticks
Spicy lovers will enjoy minced jalapeños added to the butter or used to coat the tops.
Cinnamon Sugar Bosco Sticks
A sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture can be used instead of herbs for a dessert version.
Sea Salt and Rosemary Bosco Sticks
For a simple savory coating, sea salt and dried rosemary can flavor the butter.
The basic bosco stick recipe is very adaptable to creative variations. Feel free to get experimental with unique herb, spice, cheese, meat or sugar combinations!
Tips for Making Bosco Sticks at Home
It’s easy to recreate crispy, delicious bosco sticks at home. Here are some tips:
Use Breadstick Dough
Look for pre-made breadstick dough at the grocery store to make preparation simple. Or make your own pizza dough.
Brush on Enough Butter
Be generous with the butter – don’t skimp! This helps the seasoning adhere and gives great flavor.
Season the Butter
Let the garlic and dried herbs infuse into the melted butter for 10+ minutes before brushing onto the dough.
Par-Bake First
Lightly bake the breadsticks for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings. This helps them hold their shape better.
Cut to Size
For even cooking, cut the dough into uniform sized strips before shaping and baking. Around 10 inches long works well.
Freeze Extras
These freeze great! Freeze coated, unbaked sticks in a single layer then transfer to a bag. Bake still frozen.
With the right techniques, it’s easy to make restaurant-quality bosco sticks at home for a fraction of the cost. They are sure to become a new favorite appetizer for family and friends.
Where to Find the Best Bosco Sticks
Looking for some places that serve crave-worthy bosco sticks? Here are some top spots to try:
The Hill – St. Louis, MO
This historic Italian district in St. Louis is where bosco sticks originated. Restaurants like Charlie Gitto’s and Lombardo’s Trattoria serve classic versions.
Macaroni Grill
This popular chain offers unlimited free bosco sticks and marinara when dining in. They have mastered the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.
Olive Garden
Another chain with free breadsticks, Olive Garden added bosco sticks to their menu. Try them unlimited as an appetizer.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
This restaurant puts their own spin on bosco sticks by stuffing them with Italian meats like pepperoni and salami for a pizza-inspired version.
Bucca di Beppo
Their enormous portions mean sharing a colossal plate of buttery bosco sticks is a must. They arrive piping hot and crisp.
For authentic, indulgent bosco sticks done right, visit one of these Italian restaurants for a taste sensation.
Conclusion
Bosco sticks have become a staple appetizer on Italian-American restaurant menus, and for good reason. Their crispy, garlicky, herby deliciousness pairs perfectly with a variety of drinks, entrees, and sauces. While originally invented by a St. Louis baker, they have evolved over the decades with many creative variations emerging. Their simplicity to make using just breadsticks, butter, and seasoning means they can easily be enjoyed at home as well. Bosco sticks are sure to continue satisfying appetites for years to come wherever crispy, savory breadsticks are loved.