If you’re anything like me, nothing beats warm, soft breadsticks fresh from the oven. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe—it’s got the perfect pillowy texture, that irresistible garlic butter glaze, and it’s really not as hard as you might think. Whether you’re pairing these with soup, pasta, or just gobbling them as a snack, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a homemade bread treat that beats store-bought every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy texture: I absolutely love how these breadsticks turn out light and airy every time, perfect for soaking up sauces or just enjoying plain.
- Garlic butter glaze: The buttery, garlicky topping gives a restaurant-quality flavor that my family can’t stop raving about.
- Easy enough for beginners: You don’t need fancy equipment, and I’ll guide you through kneading so you get it right.
- Versatile and customizable: Feel free to tweak the herbs and spices—it’s a recipe that’s easy to make your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The balance of ingredients here is key. Using warm water activates the yeast just right, and the bread flour helps create that soft structure. I like using real butter for flavor, but you can try it with olive oil for a twist.
- Warm water: Aim for about 100–110°F to give the yeast the perfect environment to activate without killing it.
- Instant or active dry yeast: One packet does the trick, and I prefer instant yeast for ease since it doesn’t require proofing, but either works.
- Granulated sugar: This feeds the yeast, helping it do its job and creating that light texture you want.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dough and again on top for that luscious garlic butter finish.
- Salt: Essential for balance—it brings out the flavor in the breadsticks and cuts the sweetness a bit.
- Bread flour: This is what gives the breadsticks their chewy, soft texture compared to all-purpose flour.
- Garlic powder (optional in dough and topping): Adds an extra subtle garlic note inside and intensifies the garlic butter flavor on top.
- Dried parsley or favorite herb (optional topping): For a pop of color and fresh herb taste after baking.
Variations
I love to switch things up depending on the season or mood. This Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe is a fantastic base for creativity, so don’t hesitate to try your own twists.
- Herb variations: I often add fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough or sprinkle them on top along with the parsley—it really amps up the flavor beautifully.
- Cheesy breadsticks: One of my favorites! Mix some grated Parmesan into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking for a melty, savory upgrade.
- Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter before brushing onto the breadsticks for a little heat kick.
- Gluten-free adaptation: I haven’t tried these completely gluten-free myself, but swapping bread flour for a trusted gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum might work if you want to experiment.
How to Make Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Start the Dough
First things first: whisk together your warm water, yeast, and sugar in the stand mixer bowl or a large bowl if mixing by hand. Let it sit, loosely covered, for 5-10 minutes until you see a frothy, bubbly layer on top—that’s the yeast waking up and doing its magic. If you don’t see this, your yeast might be past its prime, so don’t be afraid to try again with a fresh packet. Patience here really pays off!
Step 2: Mix in Butter, Salt, Flour, and Garlic Powder
Next, add the melted butter, salt, and 1 cup of your bread flour, plus the garlic powder if you’re using it inside the dough. Using the dough hook on low speed, mix for about 30 seconds—then scrape the sides of the bowl so everything comes together evenly. Add the remaining flour and increase to medium speed, mixing until your dough pulls away from the bowl’s edges.
If your dough feels sticky beyond manageable, sprinkle flour in small increments—a tablespoon at a time—until you have a soft, tacky dough that’s still workable. The key is not to dry it out but to get it just right for kneading.
Step 3: Knead Like a Pro
Now comes the fun part—kneading! With your stand mixer, keep the dough hook turning for 8-10 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, flour your surface lightly and knead for the same amount of time. The dough should feel soft and a little sticky but smooth, and when you poke it, the dough should slowly bounce back—that’s your sign it’s ready.
When you stretch a small piece thin enough for light to shine through without tearing (the “windowpane test”), you know you did a great job. This step might take some practice, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 4: First Rise—Patience is Key
Lightly grease a big bowl with oil, pop your dough in, and turn it to coat with oil so it doesn’t dry out. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 1.5–2 hours until it doubles in size. I usually set mine on the counter, and it’s like watching a magical transformation happen.
Step 5: Shape Your Breadsticks
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it in half and then slice each half into about seven equal pieces. Roll each piece into logs about 8 inches long—don’t fret about perfection here. Lightly flour your surface and hands, but keep it minimal to maintain that wonderful dough grip.
Place your breadsticks on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover carefully, and let them rise for about 20 minutes until slightly puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Take off the cover and pop them in the oven for 18–19 minutes. To get an even bake, rotate your pans halfway through. Watch closely near the end—if you see the tops browning too fast, tent them with foil. When they turn that gorgeous golden color, you’re almost there!
Step 7: Brush with Garlic Butter Magic
While they bake (or right after you pull them out), melt some butter and mix in salt and garlic powder for a luscious brush-on. Slather your breadsticks generously—the butter seeps into every soft nook and cranny. I love sprinkling dried parsley for a pretty, fresh touch right before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Perfect water temperature: I learned the hard way that water too hot kills the yeast, too cold slows the rise—stick to the recommended 100–110°F for best results.
- Don’t over-flour your dough: Adding too much flour when kneading dries the breadsticks, so keep the dough slightly tacky for softness.
- Windowpane test is your friend: It’s the best way to know your dough’s elasticity without guesswork, especially if you’re new to bread baking.
- Cover during rising: Loosely covering keeps the dough moist but lets it breathe—plastic wrap works great, but if it sticks to the dough, a kitchen towel does the trick.
How to Serve Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling dried parsley right after brushing on the garlic butter—it adds a fresh burst of color and just a hint of herbal brightness. Sometimes, I throw on a pinch of grated Parmesan or fresh chopped chives for a bit more flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
These breadsticks pair wonderfully with tomato-based dishes like spaghetti or lasagna, and my family also adores them alongside homemade soup—think creamy tomato or chunky vegetable. They’re perfect for dipping too: olive oil with balsamic vinegar, ranch dressing, or even a cheesy spinach dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I spread the breadsticks out on a long wooden serving board with small bowls of garlic butter, marinara, and pesto for dipping. It makes the breadsticks feel extra special and invites everyone to dig in and customize. I’ve even wrapped a few breadsticks with prosciutto for a bite-sized appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover breadsticks tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for a day—perfect for enjoying the next day without drying out. After that, I move them to the fridge, where they’ll keep soft for up to 5 days, though they’re best eaten sooner.
Freezing
Freezing these breadsticks works well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze them after the first rise and shaping (but before the second rise), wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temp before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftover breadsticks in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through and crisps the outside just a touch without drying. I usually brush a little extra melted garlic butter on top after reheating to keep them tasting fresh and irresistible.
FAQs
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Can I make these breadsticks without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand using a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula and then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. It takes a bit more effort, but the results are just as delicious.
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How important is the second rise?
The second rise is quick but crucial for giving the breadsticks their soft, airy texture. It lets them puff up just before baking, so don’t skip it or rush through it!
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
You can, but breadsticks might not be as chewy and soft since bread flour has more protein which develops gluten better. If you use all-purpose flour, expect a slightly different texture but still tasty results.
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What if my dough is too sticky?
Sticky dough is normal but if it’s too sticky to handle, lightly flour your hands and surface, adding just enough flour so the dough is manageable. Avoid adding too much, or breadsticks might turn out dry.
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How do I store leftover breadsticks to keep them soft?
Store breadsticks in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving to refresh their softness.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe is one of those recipes that feels special but is totally doable, even if you’re new to bread baking. I love how it fills the house with that amazing aroma and how the breadsticks come out soft, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor every single time. Your family (and your dinner guests) will go crazy for these, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making them again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, warm water, and butter—let’s bake some unforgettable breadsticks that beat anything you can buy in a bag!
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Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hr 40 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Total Time: 3 hr
- Yield: 14 breadsticks
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these homemade soft breadsticks that are fluffy, buttery, and topped with a delicious garlic butter glaze. Perfect to accompany any dinner, this recipe uses a simple yeast dough that requires two rises and finishes with a golden, tender crust baked in the oven.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 and 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (between 100–110°F, 38–43°C)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 Tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 and 1/3 cups (433g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for hands and work surface
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional for sprinkling on top: dried parsley or other favorite herb
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Loosely cover and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and frothy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add melted butter, salt, 1 cup bread flour, and optional garlic powder to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds, scrape down the bowl sides, then add remaining flour. Beat on medium speed until a dough forms and pulls away from sides, about 2 minutes. Add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time if dough is too wet.
- Knead Dough: Continue kneading with the mixer for 8-10 minutes, or knead by hand on lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until dough is soft, slightly tacky, and passes the windowpane test indicating elasticity.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray, place dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover with foil, plastic wrap, or kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
- Shape Breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide in half. Cut each half into 7 equal portions (~2 ounces each). Roll each piece into an 8-inch long log on a lightly floured surface and arrange 7 per baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover shaped breadsticks with foil, plastic wrap, or towel and let rise for about 20 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) while dough is rising.
- Bake Breadsticks: Remove cover and bake breadsticks for 18–19 minutes until golden brown, rotating pans halfway through for even baking. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Topping: While baking, melt butter and stir in salt and garlic powder for topping.
- Finish and Serve: Remove breadsticks from oven, brush generously with garlic butter, and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally sprinkle with dried parsley or herb before serving warm.
- Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat as desired before serving.
Notes
- These breadsticks are soft and fluffy with a flavorful garlic butter top, great alongside any meal.
- The dough requires two rises, with the second rise being relatively quick while the oven preheats.
- For assistance with kneading or yeast usage, refer to guides like the Baking With Yeast Guide and How to Knead Dough tutorial.
- Avoid over-flouring the surface when shaping to keep dough tacky for better texture.
- Use dried herbs like parsley to add a fresh touch when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
