These Homemade Garlic Breadsticks are perfectly soft, golden, and full of buttery flavor with just the right touch of garlic.
They’re incredibly easy to make from scratch with pantry staples—and way better than anything you’ll get from a restaurant.
Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, pasta, or serving warm as a snack straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & fluffy – just like your favorite restaurant-style breadsticks.
Simple ingredients – made with common pantry staples.
Customizable flavor – add herbs, cheese, or more garlic to your liking.
Perfect for freezing – great to make ahead and bake later.
Crowd-pleasing – everyone loves fresh, warm bread!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Active dry yeast – helps the dough rise for that classic soft texture.
Sugar – activates the yeast and gives a hint of sweetness.
All-purpose flour – forms the structure of the breadsticks.
Vegetable oil – keeps the dough moist and tender.
Garlic salt with parsley – adds that iconic savory topping.
Butter – brushed on after baking for rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use warm water (not hot) – around 105–110°F to activate the yeast properly.
Don’t over-flour – add flour just until the dough pulls away from the sides.
Let dough rise in a warm place – this helps the yeast work faster and more effectively.
Roll ropes evenly – for uniform baking and texture.
Brush butter while hot – so it soaks into the bread for extra flavor.
How to Make Homemade Breadsticks
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl or mixer, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy—this confirms your yeast is active.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add salt, oil, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
Gradually add more flour (¼ cup at a time) until the dough pulls away from the sides and feels soft and only slightly sticky.
Knead until smooth.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Punch the dough down gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a 9-inch rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Final Rise
Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely and let them rise again for 1 hour.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 425°F during the last 10 minutes of rise time.
Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 7: Butter & Garlic Topping
Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter.
Sprinkle with garlic salt (with parsley) while warm. Serve hot!
What to Serve Them With
Classic marinara or alfredo dipping sauces
Creamy tomato or broccoli cheddar soup
Caesar or garden salad
Pasta night (lasagna, spaghetti, or baked ziti)
As a snack with cheese and olives
Variations / Substitutions
Cheesy breadsticks – sprinkle shredded mozzarella before baking.
Herb breadsticks – add dried oregano or basil into the dough.
Sweet version – brush with butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar instead.
Whole wheat option – use 50% whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Vegan-friendly – swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil.
Storage & Leftovers
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Fridge: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze after baking and cooling; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes.
Reheat: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven to preserve softness.
FAQs
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Just mix by hand and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes! Freeze after shaping, then thaw and allow to rise again before baking.
What kind of yeast should I use?
Active dry yeast works perfectly.
If using instant yeast, reduce rise time slightly.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, it gives a slightly chewier texture. Either one works great!
Why are my breadsticks dense?
You may have added too much flour or not allowed enough rise time.
Aim for soft, slightly sticky dough and proper proofing.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They should be golden on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—just be sure to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Garlic Breadsticks are a must-have recipe for bread lovers. S
oft, warm, and brushed with buttery garlic goodness, they elevate any meal or snack time.
Once you make these from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought version. Bonus? Your kitchen will smell like an Italian bakery!

Homemade Garlic Breadsticks
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp warm water
- 1¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 to 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic salt with parsley flakes
Instructions
- Combine water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit until foamy (5–10 mins).
- Mix in salt, oil, and 2 cups flour. Add more flour until dough is soft.
- Knead dough until smooth. Let rise 1 hour in greased bowl.
- Divide into 12 balls. Roll each into 9-inch ropes.
- Place on lined baking sheets.
- Let rise again for 1 hour.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/homemade-garlic-breadsticks/
Notes
- You can add shredded parmesan or Italian seasoning to the butter topping for extra flavor.
- These freeze well—just reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Make them ahead and keep covered with plastic wrap until ready to bake.
- Pair perfectly with marinara, Alfredo, or a cozy bowl of soup.