There’s nothing quite like freshly baked breadsticks—warm, soft, and perfectly golden brown, with just the right amount of crunch on the outside and a fluffy interior that melts in your mouth.
These breadsticks are an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal, whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, or salad, or just enjoying them as a snack. The best part? They only take about 30 minutes to whip up, making them the perfect last-minute side dish when you need something that feels homemade yet effortless.
This recipe gives you all the flavor of restaurant-style breadsticks with minimal effort. The dough is simple, and a generous brushing of olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic and Parmesan before baking takes them to the next level.
And if you want to take it up even more, serve these golden breadsticks with some Pesto Sauce for dipping or alongside a refreshing Caprese Salad. The rich, herby pesto pairs beautifully with the warm, fluffy breadsticks, while the fresh, bright flavors of the Caprese salad add a lovely contrast.
Perfect for any occasion, these breadsticks are sure to become a staple at your dinner table!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- Quick and easy: These breadsticks come together in just 30 minutes—perfect for when you need a side dish in a pinch.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, whether you prefer a little extra garlic or a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
- Crowd-pleaser: Warm, soft, and full of flavor, these breadsticks will have everyone coming back for more.
Breadsticks Recipe
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Greased baking sheet
- Towel or plastic wrap for covering dough
- Oven
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white sugar divided
- 1 .25 ounce package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water divided
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour or more if needed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Dissolve 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, oil, egg, salt, remaining sugar, and warm water to yeast mixture. Mix until smooth, adding more flour if needed to form a soft dough.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 40 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down dough, divide into 18 pieces, and shape each into a 6-inch rope. Place on a greased baking sheet 2 inches apart. Cover and let rise for 25 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove cover and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Mix melted butter and garlic salt, then brush over the breadsticks. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 143 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Tips for Perfect Homemade Breadsticks:
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Make sure the water is warm (around 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won’t activate properly.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be expired and you’ll need to start over.
- Adjust Flour as Needed: When making the dough, you may need to add more flour if it’s too sticky, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, making your breadsticks light and chewy.
- Let Dough Rise in a Warm Place: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also heat your oven to 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Shape Evenly: Divide the dough into even pieces and roll them into 6-inch ropes for uniform baking. This ensures all breadsticks cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the shaped dough on the baking sheet, make sure to leave about 2 inches between each breadstick to give it room to expand while baking.
- Golden Brown Perfection: Keep an eye on the breadsticks in the oven. They should bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
- Brush with Butter While Hot: For maximum flavor, brush the hot breadsticks with the melted butter mixture immediately after baking. The butter soaks in, making them extra flavorful.
- Add Cheese Generously: Don’t be shy with the Parmesan! A generous sprinkle after brushing with butter adds a delicious salty kick.
