Make soft, fluffy, and chewy homemade breadsticks with a rich garlic butter topping. This recipe is easy and yields results comparable to popular restaurant versions.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Yield:20-24 breadsticks 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for greasing
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for cheesy version)
Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Mix the dough: Add the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the breadsticks: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rough rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut each rectangle into 10 to 12 strips. Gently stretch each strip slightly to form a breadstick shape. Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet.
Second rise (optional): Let the shaped breadsticks rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the topping.
Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. If making the cheesy version, stir in the Parmesan cheese now.
Bake: Brush the tops of the breadsticks generously with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
Serve immediately: Brush with any remaining garlic butter immediately after removing them from the oven for extra flavor. These pair well with your meal planning efforts for dinner.
Notes
For a softer texture, brush the tops with melted butter again halfway through the baking time.
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, let the minced garlic steep in the melted butter for 10 minutes before brushing on the dough.
These breadsticks are excellent served warm alongside pasta dishes or as an appetizer before a main course.