Homemade Breadsticks Recipe
Introduction
Homemade breadsticks are a delightful, golden-brown treat perfect for snacking or accompanying your favorite meals. This recipe produces soft, flavorful breadsticks with a buttery finish that’s easy to make and impressively delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, salt, and optional garlic powder. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and divide into even portions. Roll each piece into long, thin sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for expansion.
- Step 6: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely with a cloth and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the breadsticks with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and brush again with melted butter. Sprinkle with herbs, parmesan, or garlic salt if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or dried rosemary to the dough before kneading.
- Brush with garlic butter after baking for a richer taste.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for chewier breadsticks.
- To make cheesy breadsticks, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking.
Storage
Store the breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze breadsticks in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast, but skip the activation step and add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and airy when pressed lightly with your finger.
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Homemade Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks 1x
Description
This homemade breadsticks recipe yields soft, golden, and flavorful breadsticks perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side to your favorite Italian dishes. Made from scratch using simple ingredients such as all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, olive oil, and a touch of garlic powder, these breadsticks are deliciously tender on the inside with a golden crust. They are easy to prepare, requiring two rises to develop perfect texture and flavor, then baked to golden perfection and brushed with melted butter for added richness.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For Brushing
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: herbs, parmesan, or garlic salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional garlic powder. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Until Smooth: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide into even portions and roll each piece into long, thin sticks. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart to allow expansion.
- Second Rise: Loosely cover the shaped breadsticks with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they become puffy and slightly expanded.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the breadsticks with melted butter or olive oil for a golden crust. Bake in the center of the oven for 12-15 minutes, until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Final Touch: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and immediately brush them again with melted butter. Optionally, sprinkle with herbs, parmesan cheese, or garlic salt for extra flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure your water is warm (around 110°F / 43°C), not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For softer breadsticks, use melted butter for brushing; for a crispier crust, use olive oil.
- Customize your breadsticks by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough or as toppings.
- Allowing the dough to rise sufficiently is key to soft and fluffy breadsticks.
- Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: homemade breadsticks, breadsticks recipe, soft breadsticks, Italian breadsticks, easy breadsticks, yeast breadsticks
