Homemade Soft Garlic Breadsticks are so easy to make. They have a buttery garlic topping that makes them so delicious. TThey’re even better because they’re homemade!
To make them at home all you do is mix and knead the dough. Than you let it rise until it’s nice and fluffy and then you shape it into breadsticks and bake. The results are soft breadsticks that are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. They’re the ultimate comfort food!
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love this Homemade Soft Garlic Breadsticks recipe because it’s so easy to make. And the results are betterthan what you get at a restaurant. The breadsticks are soft and fluffy with garlic butter on top.
They’re a hit no matter what you serve them with. It can be pasta, soup, salad or even just as a snack on their own. You can add some cheese your favorite herbs to make them your own. They’re a guaranteed hit and they are so much fun to make!
Key Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure to the breadsticks. For a healthier version, you can substitute with whole wheat flour.
- Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best results.
- Sugar: Helps feed the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the breadsticks and balances the sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the dough with a subtle garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter topping.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dough and is also used to create the delicious garlic butter topping.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Garlic Butter: A mixture of melted butter and garlic powder, brushed over the breadsticks both before and after baking for maximum flavor.
Expert Tips
Kneading the Dough: Proper kneading is key to get soft and chewy texture. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer you use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed.
Rise Time: Be patient with the rise time. Let the dough to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
Garlic Butter: For the best flavor you can brush the breadsticks with garlic butter both before and after baking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Whole Wheat Breadsticks: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add a bit more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Cheese-Topped Breadsticks: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese over the breadsticks before baking. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Herbed Butter: Mix fresh or dried herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano into the garlic butter for an extra flavor.
- Spicy Breadsticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or the garlic butter for a bit of heat.
How to Store?
Store leftover garlic breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, wrap the breadsticks in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
You can also freeze the breadsticks for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before reheating in the oven. Reheating the breadsticks in foil helps keep the softness and prevents them from drying out.
How to Serve Garlic Breadsticks?
Serve these Homemade Soft Garlic Breadsticks warm, straight out of the oven, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
They are the perfect complement to any Italian-inspired meal, such as White Chicken Lasagna, Chicken Penne Pasta, soups and many more.
Print
Homemade Soft Garlic Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
Description
Soft, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor, these Garlic Breadsticks are a delicious side for any meal! They’re easy to make and always a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for brushing)
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Add the warm water and melted butter, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch long rope and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks are baking, mix the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the garlic butter over the hot breadsticks as soon as they come out of the oven. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side to your main dish.
Notes
If using instant yeast, you can skip the step of mixing the yeast with warm water and instead mix it directly into the flour mixture.
For a more pronounced garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic powder in the dough and butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rise time)
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the breadsticks.
How do I know when the dough is fully kneaded?
The dough is fully kneaded when it passes the windowpane test. Stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without breaking, it’s ready.
Can I freeze the breadsticks?
Yes, these breadsticks freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven until heated through.
