Garlic Breadsticks
Warm, buttery breadsticks with a golden crust and a soft, pillowy center, brushed generously with garlic-infused butter. These pull-apart sticks come with a sprinkle of herbs and a touch of cheese, making them the perfect companion for a bowl of soup or a plate of pasta.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~7 min
Activate the yeast.
1.Pour warm water into a small bowl. Stir in sugar until dissolved.2.Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until foamy.TIPWater should feel like warm bath water — about 110°F. Too hot will kill the yeast. - knead · ~7 min
Make the dough.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.2.Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.3.Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. - rest · ~60 min
Let the dough rise.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
TIPA turned-off oven with the light on creates the perfect warm proofing space. - prep · ~5 min
Preheat oven and prepare the garlic butter.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2.In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and dried oregano. - prep · ~5 min
Shape the breadsticks.
1.Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.2.Roll or pat the dough into a 10x12 inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.3.Brush half of the garlic butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.4.Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 equal strips. - assemble · ~3 min
Twist and arrange on the baking sheet.
1.Pick up each strip, twist it 3-4 times, and lay it on the prepared baking sheet.2.Space them about 1 inch apart so they have room to puff up. - bake · ~15 min
Bake the breadsticks.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
TIPCheck at the 12-minute mark to prevent over-browning — the exposed cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly. - garnish · ~2 min
Finish and serve.
1.Remove from oven and immediately brush the hot breadsticks with the remaining garlic butter.2.Let cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a serving basket.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a kitchen scale to measure flour by weight (320g) for consistent dough hydration.
- 2Let the yeast foam for the full 7 minutes — if it doesn't get bubbly, start over with fresh yeast.
- 3Knead until the dough passes the windowpane test: stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through without tearing.
- 4Brush the baked breadsticks with garlic butter while they're still hot so it soaks into the crust.
- 5For extra chew, let the shaped breadsticks rest 10 minutes on the baking sheet before baking.
- 6Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Crust
After twisting the breadsticks, roll each in additional shredded mozzarella before baking for a crisp, cheesy outer shell that adds texture and visual appeal.
Herb & SeedHerb & Seed
Skip the mozzarella and sprinkle the buttered dough with 1 tablespoon each of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried rosemary for a nutty, aromatic breadstick with zero dairy.
Spicy ChipotleSpicy Chipotle
Add 1 teaspoon chipotle powder and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the garlic butter before brushing on the dough, then finish with a pinch of smoked paprika for heat-loving pasta dinners.
Everything BagelEverything Bagel
After brushing the final garlic butter on the baked breadsticks, sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning (sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, salt) for a savory brunch twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Moderate Protein Boost
Mozzarella adds a modest amount of protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle repair, while the breadsticks themselves provide quick energy from carbohydrates.
Garlic's Antioxidant Compounds
Fresh garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound linked to immune-supporting antioxidant activity and potential cardiovascular benefits.
Lower Sodium Control
Using unsalted butter and only 1/2 teaspoon salt in the dough lets you manage sodium intake, unlike many store-bought breadsticks.
Simple Ingredient Base
With no artificial preservatives or hydrogenated oils, this homemade version uses pantry staples you control entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. After it rises, punch it down, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before shaping.
