If you’re hunting for the kind of warm, soft, and utterly irresistible breadstick to serve alongside your favorite soup or pasta, this Garlic Breadsticks Recipe will make your carb-loving heart skip a beat. Homemade and richly aromatic, they come out of the oven perfectly golden, fabulously fluffy, and coated in buttery garlic goodness so you won’t be able to eat just one. Whether you’re new to bread making or looking to elevate your dinner table, this recipe brings that beloved blend of comfort and vibrant flavor straight to your kitchen—no bakery trips required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just simple pantry staples working together to deliver the kind of flavor and texture store-bought never quite achieves. Each element in this Garlic Breadsticks Recipe has a role to play, from the yeast’s rise to the butter’s glossy finish and the pop of fresh parsley. Here’s what you’ll need for true breadstick bliss:
- Warm water (1 cup, 110°F): The essential base for activating the yeast—temperature matters for a good rise.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Yeast gives these breadsticks their signature lift and beautiful crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): A little sugar not only feeds the yeast but adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of your breadsticks, providing structure and that satisfyingly chewy bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip it—it balances flavor and keeps the breadsticks from tasting flat.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle richness and keeps the crumb tender.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): For luxurious flavor in every bite and that golden, glossy finish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is the flavor hero here, making every bite pop.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brightens both flavor and appearance with fresh herbaceous notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): For those who love a touch of salty-savory cheesiness on top—highly recommended!
How to Make Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Give everything a quick stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is a little frothy and smells a bit like your favorite bakery—that’s the yeast coming alive and ensuring those luxuriously fluffy breadsticks down the line.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to your foamy yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until it begins to form a dough. Once everything is roughly combined, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth and elastic dough, which means those breadsticks will bake up perfectly soft, not dense or dry.
Step 3: The First Rise
Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it sit somewhere warm for about 1 hour. The dough will double in size—keep an eye on it, as the yeast works its magic! This step is what builds that signature lightness that makes a homemade Garlic Breadsticks Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
After the rise, punch down the dough gently to release the excess air. Divide it into 12 even pieces. Roll each one between your hands or on the counter into a classic breadstick shape, about 6 to 8 inches long. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breadsticks with a little space between each—you’ll want them to expand and get that perfect, puffy shape.
Step 5: The Second Rise
Cover the shaped breadsticks with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes. This brief rest lets them puff up even more, ensuring pillowy interiors and irresistible texture when baked. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F, so it’s ready for action.
Step 6: Brush with Garlic Butter
While the oven heats and the breadsticks rest, combine your melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Just before baking, brush half of this fragrant garlic butter over each breadstick—this is what gives the Garlic Breadsticks Recipe its irresistibly savory aroma and glistening, golden exterior.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The breadsticks should puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown on top. Every kitchen will smell divine at this point, and you’ll know you’re almost there.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Straight out of the oven, brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining garlic butter mixture. If you love a cheesy kick, now’s the time to sprinkle on a little grated Parmesan while they’re still hot. Serve your Garlic Breadsticks Recipe warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to make your breadsticks look as joyful as they taste. Add a dusting of Parmesan cheese for a savory finish, or a pinch of flaky sea salt if you want to dial up the flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper can be a surprising, subtle twist too.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Breadsticks Recipe is the perfect partner for so many dishes. They’re fabulous with a classic marinara sauce for dipping, creamy Alfredo pasta, hearty tomato soup, or even alongside a crisp salad. Whenever an Italian-inspired feast is on the table, these breadsticks are right at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your breadsticks arranged in a tall glass or lined up in a rustic basket for a charming, shareable effect. Tuck them into small bread bags for a dinner party favor, or coil them into knots before baking for a playful twist on the classic shape.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover breadsticks (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay surprisingly soft, and a quick warm-up will bring them right back to life.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months and make for an easy, homemade treat whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat garlic breadsticks in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a brief stint in the microwave works too, but watch closely—they heat up fast! A fresh swipe of melted butter after warming makes them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Substitute the active dry yeast with the same amount of instant yeast; you can add it directly to the flour without proofing. The rise times might be a touch shorter, so keep an eye on your dough to avoid over-proofing.
Is it possible to make this Garlic Breadsticks Recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make these breadsticks vegan by swapping out the butter for vegan margarine and using a plant-based Parmesan substitute or skipping the cheese altogether. Olive oil works beautifully for brushing too!
Can I add other herbs or spices to the dough?
Definitely! While parsley and garlic are classic, you can play around with Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or even a dash of chili flakes for a little kick. Mix herbs directly into the dough or the butter topping for extra flavor layers.
What flour works best for breadsticks?
All-purpose flour delivers a perfectly soft, chewy breadstick in this Garlic Breadsticks Recipe, but you can also try bread flour for even more elasticity or opt for a partial whole wheat blend if you’d like a slightly heartier bite.
How do I keep my breadsticks from becoming too hard?
The key is proper kneading and not overbaking. Follow the rise times closely, check for golden color during baking, and always brush with butter after they come out of the oven. Keeping leftovers sealed helps maintain their softness too.
Final Thoughts
If homemade comfort is your love language, this Garlic Breadsticks Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table—you can never have too many excuses for fresh, fragrant, homemade breadsticks!
Print
Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these homemade Garlic Breadsticks that are easy to make and perfect for pairing with pasta dishes or enjoying on their own. Buttery, garlicky, and topped with Parmesan cheese, these breadsticks are a delicious side for any meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat oven. Divide dough, shape into breadsticks, and let rise. Mix melted butter with garlic and parsley. Brush over breadsticks. Bake until golden.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with remaining garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a cheesier version, add shredded mozzarella before baking.
- You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in the butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
