If you are a fan of warm, buttery, and irresistibly fragrant bread, you are going to adore this Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe. These breadsticks are soft on the inside with a golden crust delicately infused with garlic and a medley of fresh herbs that elevate every bite. Whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty pasta, dipping them into marinara, or simply enjoying them fresh from the oven, this Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make every meal feel a little more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, staple ingredients come together in this recipe, proving that sometimes the best dishes are made from the basics. Each ingredient plays an important role, lending texture, flavor, and that perfect golden color you crave in breadsticks.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups): Essential for activating the yeast, it helps create a fluffy, tender dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and gain lightness.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a slight warmth to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Forms the foundation of the dough, giving it structure.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and keeps the breadsticks moist.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Creates the buttery texture and carries the aromatic garlic and herbs beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Provides that signature garlicky punch that makes these breadsticks unforgettable.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped) or dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, vibrant note and a lovely splash of green.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and complexity to the herb blend.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Complements oregano with an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): For a cheesy, salty topping that takes these breadsticks up a notch.
How to Make Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it foams up. This bubbling action is the yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic in making your breadsticks light and airy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Combine the flour, olive oil, salt, and your activated yeast mixture in a large bowl or a stand mixer. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding flour little by little as needed. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes either on a floured surface or using a dough hook. The dough should feel smooth and elastic, which means it’s ready for the next step.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Find a warm spot and let it rise until it doubles in size, about one hour. This rising stage is crucial—it ensures your breadsticks will have that perfect tender crumb inside.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air and divide it into 12 to 15 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 6 to 8 inches in length and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. You’re getting close to that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped breadsticks with a kitchen towel again and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes while you heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This second rise helps them get fluffy and light during baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
Mix your melted butter with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme. This fragrant butter will not only flavor the breadsticks but also give them that gorgeous golden sheen when baked.
Step 7: Bake the Breadsticks
Brush the breadsticks generously with the garlic herb butter, then bake them for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on top and smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Brush and Serve
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them again with any leftover garlic herb butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if you love a cheesy touch. Serve warm and watch these breadsticks disappear fast!
How to Serve Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the look and taste of your breadsticks. Adding a touch of flaky sea salt right after baking also adds a little crunch and a burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks make a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Try them next to a classic marinara sauce or a rich fettuccine Alfredo — their buttery herb flavor complements both beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your breadsticks in a circular basket lined with a colorful napkin to invite sharing. You can also serve them with a trio of dipping sauces such as garlic butter, ranch, and spicy marinara to create a delightful dipping party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, wrap them in foil or place a slice of bread inside the container to help retain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped dough before the second rise or freeze fully baked breadsticks. Wrap cooled breadsticks in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or on the countertop.
Reheating
Reheat breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked aroma and texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, since that can make them chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe?
Absolutely! Dried herbs are a great substitute and can even pack a more concentrated flavor. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about one-third of the amount you would with fresh herbs.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll want to use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for yeast baking. Additionally, the dough texture might differ slightly, and you may need to adjust some quantities or rising times.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
When mixing yeast with warm water and sugar, the mixture should foam and bubble within 5 to 10 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired or the water temperature was too hot or cold, and you should try with fresh yeast again.
Can I add other flavors or spices to these breadsticks?
Definitely! Garlic and herb blend is classic, but you can experiment with adding ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat, rosemary for earthiness, or even a bit of Parmesan in the dough for extra cheesiness.
How do I shape the breadsticks evenly?
After dividing the dough into equal pieces, roll each piece gently into ropes of similar length and thickness on a floured surface. Using a kitchen scale to weigh each piece before rolling can also help achieve uniformity.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe is truly one of life’s little pleasures, especially when you slice into that soft, fragrant breadstick fresh from the oven. It’s a recipe that feels comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether for family dinners, game nights, or a special gathering, these breadsticks will soon become your go-to favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked in no time!
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Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Herb Breadsticks are soft, flavorful, and perfect as a side for any meal. Made with a simple yeast dough enriched with olive oil and brushed with a fragrant garlic herb butter before baking, they provide a warm, comforting treat with a hint of fresh parsley, oregano, and thyme. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional Topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, olive oil, salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, adding more flour as needed. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface or with a dough hook until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 12-15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope approximately 6-8 inches long. Place each shaped breadstick on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 20-30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, and thyme. Stir well to infuse the flavors.
- Bake the Breadsticks: Brush the risen breadsticks generously with the prepared garlic herb butter. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Brush and Serve: After removing the breadsticks from the oven, immediately brush them with any remaining garlic herb butter to enhance moisture and flavor. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them before serving for an extra savory touch.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust flour quantity as needed to achieve a soft but slightly tacky dough.
- For softer breadsticks, cover with a slightly damp towel during the rising phases to prevent drying out.
- Parmesan topping is optional but adds a delightful savory flavor and texture.
- You can substitute dried parsley with fresh parsley for more vibrant flavor.
- These breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated lightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
