There’s nothing quite like the warm, intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s these incredibly soft and fluffy Garlic Butter Breadsticks. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, guiding you to create pillowy, tender breadsticks that are leagues better than anything from a restaurant. Forget dry, dense breadsticks; this recipe guarantees a soft, chewy texture every single time. They are the perfect side dish for any meal, and so easy to make, you’ll find any excuse to bake a batch.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Breadsticks
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Unbelievably Soft & Fluffy: The texture is the star here. We use specific techniques and ingredients to ensure a tender, cloud-like crumb that melts in your mouth.
Easy for Beginners: Don’t be intimidated by yeast! This recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
Rich, Savory Flavor: The dough has a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, savory garlic butter topping, which is loaded with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Better Than Takeout: Once you taste these homemade garlic butter breadsticks, you’ll never go back to the restaurant version. They are fresher, more flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
The final touch: a generous brushing of savory garlic butter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create something truly special. Let’s break down what you’ll need for the dough and that irresistible topping.
For the Breadsticks
Warm Water: Crucial for activating the yeast. It should feel like a warm bath, around 110°F (43°C).
Active Dry Yeast: This is the magic ingredient that makes our breadsticks rise and become fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: A little sugar feeds the yeast and adds a touch of flavor and tenderness to the dough.
All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our breadsticks. Make sure to measure it correctly!
Salt: Essential for flavor and for controlling the yeast’s activity.
Melted Butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough itself.
For the Garlic Butter Topping
Salted Butter: The rich, flavorful base for our delicious topping.
Garlic Powder: Provides a robust garlic flavor that infuses every bite.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds classic Italian flavor.
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Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that gets slightly toasted in the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks from scratch.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy and bubbly, which is how you know your yeast is active and ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the melted butter and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly grease the mixing bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 long strips.
Step 5: Second Rise
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dough strips on the sheet, leaving some space between them. You can twist them for a classic look if you like. Cover the breadsticks with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until they look puffy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the breadsticks for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Step 7: Apply the Garlic Butter
While the breadsticks are baking, melt the butter for the topping in a small saucepan or the microwave. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve warm!
Look at that soft, pillowy texture! This is what homemade perfection looks like.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Soft Breadsticks
Want to guarantee success? Here are a few expert tips.
Check Your Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated. If the mixture doesn’t get foamy, the yeast is likely expired, and your breadsticks won’t rise.
Don’t Add Too Much Flour: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky. Adding too much flour can result in dense, dry breadsticks.
Warm Rising Spot: Dough rises best in a warm environment. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in an oven that is turned off but has the light on.
Don’t Overbake: Pull the breadsticks from the oven as soon as they are a light golden brown to ensure they stay soft and tender on the inside.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Breadsticks
These versatile breadsticks are the perfect companion for a wide variety of meals. They are a must-have for soaking up the sauce from a delicious Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake. They also pair beautifully with hearty soups, stews, and other main courses like this flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken. Honestly, they are so good you’ll want to make them as a standalone snack. For other delicious baked goods, check out our collection of easy baking recipes.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative!
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the dough for an extra cheesy pull-apart experience.
Herb Variations: Add fresh, finely chopped rosemary or parsley to the garlic butter for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter topping for a little bit of heat.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method steams them slightly, bringing back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
The key to soft breadsticks is using enough moisture, not over-mixing the dough, and not over-baking. Our recipe is balanced to ensure a soft, tender result. Pull them from the oven as soon as they are light golden brown.
All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. It provides the right amount of gluten to create a structure that is both chewy and soft, without being too dense like bread flour can sometimes be.
Yes! After the first rise, you can cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
Garlic breadsticks are incredibly versatile! They are perfect with pasta dishes, soups, and salads. They also make a fantastic appetizer served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
After mixing the yeast with warm water and a little sugar, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You should see a creamy, foamy layer form on the surface. If this doesn’t happen, your yeast may be old or the water was too hot/cold.
The Ultimate Garlic Butter Breadsticks Recipe
FL Recipes
Garlic Butter Breadsticks (The Easiest, Softest Recipe!)
These homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks are incredibly soft, fluffy, and brushed with a savory garlic herb butter. The perfect easy recipe for beginners!
Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough: Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 12 strips.
Second Rise: Place strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
Apply Topping: While baking, mix together all topping ingredients. As soon as the breadsticks are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalProtein: 5gFat: 9gFiber: 1g
Notes
Yeast Tip: Ensure your water is warm, not hot. Water that's too hot can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Garlic Butter Breadsticks recipe. They are truly a game-changer for pasta nights, soup dinners, or any time you need a delicious carb fix. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out! We love hearing from you. For more visual inspiration and delicious recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
You won't believe how easy it is to make these soft garlic butter breadsticks at home!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
