There’s nothing quite like homemade garlic breadsticks—those golden, buttery, garlicky little bites of pure heaven that make you feel like you’re dining at an Italian restaurant right in your own kitchen. I’m absolutely obsessed with making these from scratch, and I promise you, once you master this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought breadsticks again!
What makes these garlic breadsticks truly the BEST is the combination of a soft, pillowy dough and an incredibly aromatic garlic butter topping. The secret is using fresh garlic (not that jarred stuff), real butter, and a touch of Italian seasoning that brings everything together beautifully. These breadsticks are perfect as an appetizer, a side dish with pasta, or honestly, just as a snack when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
I love serving these alongside my Best Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce Recipe for an extra special dinner, or pairing them with Quick Tasty Bacon Carbonara Recipe for an unforgettable meal. The beauty of homemade breadsticks is that they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and they’re guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
What really sets this recipe apart is the generous garlic butter brushed on top while the breadsticks are still warm from the oven. This allows the butter to absorb beautifully into the bread, creating those irresistible golden-brown edges and a garlicky flavor that’s absolutely divine. I also recommend finishing them with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for that restaurant-quality presentation.
These breadsticks are best served warm, straight from the oven, while the butter is still melting into every crevice. They pair wonderfully with any Italian dish, soups, or even as a standalone treat. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Your dinner table will never be the same!
For more delicious bread and pasta sides, check out my Delicious Heavy Cream Pasta Recipe and don’t forget to round out your meal with a fresh Best Chickpea Salad Recipe. For an interesting side, try my Easy Pickled Red Onion Recipe for a tangy contrast. I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times, and every single time, I’m reminded why garlic breadsticks are such a beloved classic. The combination of soft, fluffy bread with pungent garlic and rich butter is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night, these breadsticks will elevate your meal. The aroma alone as they bake will have everyone in your house gathered in the kitchen, eagerly anticipating that first warm, buttery bite. This is the recipe you’ll return to again and again, and I absolutely guarantee it will become a family favorite. For even more inspiration, check out Bon Appétit’s Garlic Bread and Serious Eats’ Garlic Bread Guide. You can also find excellent techniques at New York Times Cooking’s Garlic Bread.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced very finely
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky at this point.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed, but be careful not to add too much.
- Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 12-16 equal pieces, depending on how thick you want your breadsticks.
- Roll each piece of dough into a long, thin stick approximately 8-10 inches long and about ½ inch thick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Cover the breadsticks loosely with a damp towel and let them rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until they’re puffy and light.
- Using a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush with any remaining garlic butter while they’re still warm.
- Sprinkle the fresh parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the warm breadsticks.
- Serve immediately while still warm and enjoy the melting butter and aromatic garlic!
Pro Tips
- These breadsticks are best served immediately after baking while they’re still warm and the butter is melting into the bread.
- Make sure your water is the correct temperature (around 110°F). Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast, and water that’s too cold won’t activate it properly.
- Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for this recipe. Don’t use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic as your only garlic component—the fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma.
- If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast, but you may need to let it bloom in the warm water for 5 minutes before mixing with the flour.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme to your garlic butter mixture.
- These breadsticks can be made ahead and frozen before baking. After shaping, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftover breadsticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their warmth and crispness.
- For a variation, try adding mozzarella cheese to the topping, or use a combination of garlic, herbs, and different cheeses for variety.
- If your breadsticks aren’t browning evenly, you may need to rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- The dough can also be made in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed for about 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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