Soft Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe

Okay, let me share my absolute favorite breadstick recipe that’s bursting with garlicky goodness and is way easier to make than you’d think. Perfect for cozy nights in, these homemade breadsticks are going to be your new go-to comfort food companion!

These soft, garlicky herb breadsticks are a treat. Their warm, chewy texture and rich flavor come from a combination of water, active dry yeast, and all-purpose flour.

Add some minced garlic and Italian seasoning and finish them with melted butter, and you have a taste that will be rivaled only by the breadsticks at your favorite Italian restaurant.

Soft Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and bulk; high in carbohydrates, the base of most breads.
• Active dry yeast: Leavening agent that helps the bread rise, creating airy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds yeast, enhances browning, and provides a hint of sweetness.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture, richness, and subtle fruity flavor; contains healthy fats.
• Garlic: Fresh flavor punch; offers antioxidants and potential health benefits.
• Italian seasoning: Herb blend enhances depth of flavor, adding savory, aromatic notes.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness; source of fat and flavor.

Soft Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or to taste (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make this Soft Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, bring together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and allow the combination to sit for roughly 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and is of a frothy consistency.

2. Combine the flour, salt, softened butter, and olive oil with the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to take shape, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

3. Put the dough in a bowl that is lightly greased and cover it with a clean towel. Set the bowl in a warm area and let the dough rise for around 1 to
1.5 hours. It should approximately double in size.

4. Set your oven to bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Parchment paper should be used to line a sheet that will fit in your oven.

5. Deflate the dough and remove it from the container. Place the dough on a well-floured surface and cut it in half. Take one half of the dough and using a rolling pin, roll it out to a size of 12 x 14 inches. Keep the surface and the top of the dough well-floured.

6. Slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Give each strip a slight twist and lay them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and combine them with the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

8. The garlic butter mixture should be brushed generously over the twisted breadsticks. Some can be reserved for later use.

9. In the oven that has been preheated, bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, the brownness of which confirms that an accurate amount of time has elapsed.

10. When taken from the oven, brush the hot breadsticks with any remaining garlic butter, then sprinkle them with the coarse sea salt and parsley before serving. This example goes to show you can put a hot breadstick with parsley next to any portion of a warm breadstick without tasting butter. These breadsticks are best served warm, and leftovers can be reheated beautifully.

Soft Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Stirring spoon or spatula
4. Clean kitchen towel
5. Parchment paper
6. Baking sheet
7. Rolling pin
8. Sharp knife or pizza cutter
9. Pastry brush
10. Small bowl (for melted butter and seasoning mix)
11. Oven
12. Cooling rack (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?You can use instant yeast. No need to dissolve it in water; just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
• How do I know when the dough has risen enough?The expansion should occur so that the dough is twice as large, which in our estimation of time and space, takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm, draft-free area—though you could let it go longer without harm.
• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?It is possible to use up to 50% whole wheat flour in this recipe, but the texture will be slightly more dense. When using a larger quantity of whole wheat flour, be aware that the proportion of liquid in the recipe may need to be increased.
• Is it necessary to use the Italian seasoning?Even though Italian seasoning is used to boost flavor, you can leave it out or substitute with even more delicious herbs like oregano or thyme.
• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?Absolutely, you can prepare the dough well in advance, even a day before you intend to bake. Once the dough has undergone its initial rise, deflate it (or punch it down, if you prefer) and place it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to proceed with the next step, allow the dough to warm back up to room temperature. “Dough that has had an overnight dip in the fridge is a joy to work with,” says our recipe consultant. Here’s her method.
• What can I use as a dipping sauce?These breadsticks are good partners for marinara sauce; they also go great with garlic butter or a cheesy dip.
• How do I store leftover breadsticks?Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for no longer than two days, and here’s how to store them if you want to keep them for a longer period:
  1. **Freeze Them**
  After you’ve baked the biscuits, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven; just add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

Soft Garlic Herb Breadsticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Active dry yeast: You can substitute with 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast.
All-purpose flour: Substitute with bread flour to make chewier, textured biscuits.
Unadulterated spreadable fat: Replace with the same quantity of margarine or downright vegan butter for a dairy-free experience.
Olive oil: Replace with vegetable oil or canola oil.
Italian seasoning: Combine dried basil, oregano, and thyme to make an inspired blend.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Yeast Activation Ensure the water temperature is between 110°F to 115°F when mixing with sugar and yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast, while too cold will not activate it properly. After mixing, let it sit until bubbly for optimal results.

2. Kneading Technique Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. A good way to test this is the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches without tearing and you can see light through it, it’s ready.

3. Optimal Rising Environment For the dough to rise well, place it in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by turning your oven to its lowest setting for a couple of minutes, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside.

4. Even Baking When twisting and placing the dough strips on the baking sheet, ensure they have enough space between them to expand. This will help them cook evenly and avoid sticking together.

5. Garlic Butter Enhancement Allow the melted butter mixture with garlic and seasonings to sit for a few minutes before brushing. This resting time helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste of your breadsticks.