Bandera Bread from Boston Pizza features warm, freshly baked breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, offering a soft, flavorful bite with a golden, crispy exterior.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Cooling rack
- Knife or pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Using fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of your Bandera Bread, giving it a more authentic taste similar to Boston Pizza's version. Ensure the warm water temperature is around 110degF to activate the instant yeast effectively for a soft and fluffy dough. When brushing the breadsticks, use melted unsalted butter mixed with garlic for that rich, buttery flavor and a golden crust. Freshly chopped parsley adds a nice color contrast and a subtle herbal note, boosting the overall taste. You can recreate the Bandera Bread from Boston Pizza copycat menu with these simple ingredients and equipment at home.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let dough rest for 10-15 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Transfer dough rectangle to prepared baking sheet.
- Score dough into breadstick shapes using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl.
- Finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Stir minced garlic into melted butter.
- Brush melted garlic butter evenly over the dough using a pastry brush.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Slice along the scored lines to separate the breadsticks.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
This Bandera Bread copycat recipe from Boston Pizza delivers warm, buttery breadsticks with a crispy outside and soft inside. If you don't have instant yeast, active dry yeast can be used, but allow extra time for proofing. Olive oil can be substituted with melted butter for a richer flavor in the dough. Fresh garlic is ideal, but garlic powder works in a pinch for brushing the breadsticks. When Parmesan cheese is unavailable, Pecorino Romano or Asiago make excellent alternatives without sacrificing the savory taste your breadsticks will have.
Tips
Ensure your water is warm but not hot when activating instant yeast; temperatures above 120degF (49degC) can kill the yeast, preventing dough rise. When kneading, aim for a smooth, elastic texture to develop gluten, which creates a soft yet structured breadstick. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the dough with garlic butter for maximum flavor absorption and avoid dry spots. Let your breadsticks cool briefly on a rack before slicing to maintain their golden, crispy exterior and prevent tearing.
Nutritions
Bandera Bread from Boston Pizza contains carbohydrates from all-purpose flour, providing energy to fuel your day. The recipe includes unsalted butter and olive oil, which contribute healthy fats essential for brain function and nutrient absorption. Parmesan cheese adds a source of protein and calcium, supporting muscle health and bone strength. Garlic not only enhances flavor but also delivers antioxidants that support your immune system.
Storage
To maintain the freshness and flavor of your Bandera Bread from Boston Pizza, store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month, then reheat them in the oven at 350degF (175degC) until warm and crispy. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the bread and reduce its softness and garlic butter aroma.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grated Asiago cheese for Parmesan to add a sharper flavor to your Bandera Bread. For a spicier twist, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the melted garlic butter before brushing the dough. Using fresh rosemary or thyme instead of parsley offers an aromatic herbal note that complements the garlic butter. Consider brushing the breadsticks with olive oil infused with crushed garlic instead of melted butter for a lighter, vegan-friendly option.
Allergies
Bandera Bread contains common allergens such as wheat from all-purpose flour and dairy from Parmesan cheese and unsalted butter, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. Garlic, although less common, can also cause sensitivity in some people. If you have food allergies, make sure to check ingredient labels carefully before enjoying your warm and flavorful breadsticks.
Why this recipe?
Bandera Bread from Boston Pizza restaurant is loved for its perfectly crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, infused with garlic and herbs that enhance every bite. The menu often features variations stuffed with cheese or savory fillings, creating a satisfying and shareable appetizer or side dish. You will find it worth making a copycat recipe at home to recreate the enjoyment while customizing flavors and controlling ingredients. This dish offers a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that complements a variety of meals, making it a popular choice among customers.