Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic breadsticks strike the perfect balance between soft and chewy, with a buttery finish and bold garlic flavor. They’re far superior to anything store-bought and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you serve them with pasta, soup, salad, or as a standalone appetizer, they always disappear fast. Plus, you can customize the flavor to your liking with herbs or cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm water
Sugar
Salt
Olive oil or melted butter
Garlic (freshly minced or garlic powder)
Unsalted butter (for brushing)
Fresh parsley or Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make garlic butter: While baking, melt the butter and mix in minced garlic or garlic powder.
Brush and garnish: Brush the warm breadsticks with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley or seasoning if desired.
Serve warm: Enjoy immediately while soft and fragrant.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 breadsticks and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish, including rising time.

Variations

Cheesy garlic breadsticks: Sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan before baking for cheesy goodness.
Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
Herbed breadsticks: Mix dried oregano, basil, or thyme into the dough or butter.
Stuffed breadsticks: Wrap the dough around string cheese or a mozzarella stick before baking.
Whole wheat: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store garlic breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes. You can also microwave for 20–30 seconds, though the crust may soften. For best results, brush with extra garlic butter before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze garlic breadsticks?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen until warm.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Absolutely. Garlic powder blends easily into the butter and still provides great flavor.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check that your yeast is active and the water wasn’t too hot. Also, make sure the rising spot is warm enough.

How do I get a soft texture?

Avoid overbaking, and brush the breadsticks with butter right after baking to keep them tender.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and mixed directly with the flour. No need to proof first.

What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour can add a slightly chewier texture.

Can I add garlic directly to the dough?

You can, but adding it to the butter on top creates more pronounced flavor and aroma.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well—just make sure to use a larger bowl and baking sheet.

What should I serve garlic breadsticks with?

They’re perfect with pasta dishes, marinara sauce for dipping, soups like tomato or minestrone, or even as a party appetizer.

Conclusion

Garlic breadsticks are a beloved classic for good reason—simple ingredients, easy prep, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just to treat yourself, they’re always a hit. Once you try them homemade, you’ll never want to go back to frozen or takeout versions again.

Garlic Breadsticks

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Garlic breadsticks are soft, buttery, and infused with rich garlic flavor. Perfect for dipping or serving alongside pasta, these homemade breadsticks are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 breadsticks
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a breadstick shape and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake breadsticks for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
While baking, melt butter and mix with garlic (or garlic powder).
Brush warm breadsticks with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley or seasoning if desired.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use garlic powder for a smoother butter or fresh garlic for a bolder flavor.
Don’t overbake to keep breadsticks soft and fluffy.
For extra richness, brush with more butter after baking.
Recipe can be doubled or halved as needed.
Stuff with cheese for a fun variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 breadstick
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg