Garlic breadsticks are the perfect way to celebrate National Breadstick Day. I love its crispy exterior and soft, buttery center. You can serve them as a small plate or a side dish. They’re easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Contents
Garlic breadstick recipe
Garlic breadsticks are a beloved appetizer and side dish in Italian cuisine. These are a savory version of the traditional breadstick (known as “grissini” in Italian). The addition of garlic to these crispy sticks of bread elevates their flavor. The rich, aromatic garlic pairs perfectly with the crisp outer texture and soft, chewy center of the breadstick.
These breadsticks are known for their light, fluffy, and chewy texture. They are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. They can be served alongside soups, salads, pasta dishes, or as a snack.
Garlic breadsticks are perfect with dips like spinach artichoke dip, guacamole, or cheese dip. They add a delicious crunch to salads like Greek or Caesar salads. They’re also great as appetizers with marinara, spicy cheese sauce, or pesto for dipping.
Pair them with cozy soups like minestrone, French onion, or Loaded Potato with Bacon. You can serve it alongside pasta, grilled meats, or stews for a comforting, complete meal.
This is how to make the garlic breadstick:
Easy Garlic Breadsticks
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water about 110°F or 43°C
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into strips (about 1 inch wide).
- Place the strips on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the risen breadsticks.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade garlic breadsticks!
Notes
- Whole wheat flour creates a nuttier flavor
- Almond flour is for a gluten-free option
- Spelt flour is for a slightly sweet, nutty taste
SIMILAR RECIPES
Variations
There are many versions of the garlic breadsticks:
- Garlic cheese breadsticks
- Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese to the dough.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top before baking.
- Mix shredded mozzarella into the dough after combining flour and salt.
- Add more cheese on top along with the garlic butter before baking.
- Twisted garlic breadsticks provide a fun presentation and a delightful texture.
- After cutting the dough into strips, twist each strip several times to create a spiral shape before placing them on the baking sheet.
- Brush with garlic butter and bake as usual.
- Spicy Versions include red pepper flakes for an added spicy kick.
- Stuffed breadsticks
- Add 1 cup of your choice of filling (e.g., cheese, pepperoni, spinach) to the dough.
- After rolling out the dough, place a line of filling in the center of each strip before folding the dough over and sealing the edges.
- Proceed with the second rise and baking as usual.
- Quick no-yeast recipe
- Replace yeast with 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
- Use 1 cup of yogurt or buttermilk instead of warm water to help the breadsticks rise.
- Mix all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt), then add yogurt or buttermilk to form the dough.
- Proceed to shape and bake the breadsticks without waiting for rising time.
- Sheet pan garlic breadsticks
- After the first rise, roll the dough out to cover the entire sheet pan (greased or lined with parchment paper).
- Cut into strips after the second rise, then bake as directed.
- Sweet and savory version
- Brush with a mixture of honey, melted butter, and roasted garlic
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet-savory twist
- Dip in chocolate sauce for an unexpected dessert option.
Common issues
When making garlic breadsticks, several common issues can arise. Here are some of the most frequent problems and tips to fix them.
- The dough is not rising properly
- Check the expiration date of your yeast
- Ensure the water temperature is correct too hot can kill yeast
- Place dough in a warm, draft-free area to rise
- Uneven baking or browning
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking
- Ensure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer
- Space breadsticks evenly on the baking sheet
- Lack of flavor or seasoning
- Use fresh garlic or high-quality garlic powder
- Incorporate herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano
- Brush breadsticks with garlic butter before and after baking
- Texture problems too hard or too soft
- Adjust baking time and temperature as needed
- Ensure proper hydration of the dough
- Allow breadsticks to cool slightly before serving for optimal texture.