Homemade Breadsticks Recipe
I love homemade breadsticks — especially when they come together quickly with pantry ingredients. This dough is versatile: with slight differences in shaping and baking you can make soft, fluffy breadsticks like those from Olive Garden, or thin, crispy Italian grissini.
The dough itself is simple and relies on six basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and a little butter to keep the bread soft. What really changes the character of the breadsticks is the toppings and how you shape them, so feel free to experiment with herbs, seeds, or cheeses.
This recipe saves time by skipping a double proof, and the process breaks into four simple steps:
- Prepare the dough.
- Divide and shape the dough.
- Proof (rise) the shaped breadsticks.
- Bake and finish with a topping.
You can knead by hand for 6–8 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook to speed the process.
How to make Soft and Fluffy Breadsticks
Below are instructions for the soft variety. The grissini method follows later.
1. Prepare the dough.
In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast so everything is evenly distributed. Add the butter and water and combine with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Knead for 6–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, combine water, yeast, sugar, and butter, then gradually add flour on low speed and knead on medium for about 7 minutes.
Because breadsticks are not bulky loaves, this recipe skips a long first proof and moves straight to shaping, which saves time without sacrificing texture.
2. Divide and shape the dough.
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 7 inches wide, then cut into strips roughly 7 inches by 1 inch. Place the strips on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined tray so they have room to rise.
3. Proof the dough.
Cover the strips with plastic wrap and let them rise until nearly doubled, about 90 minutes, until the pieces are puffy.
4. Bake the breadsticks.
Bake in a 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown. As soon as they come out, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a mix of salt and garlic powder. Serve warm.
How to make Grissini Breadsticks
Grissini are long, thin, and crisp — beautiful when served upright in a tall glass or vase. Use the same basic dough but shape and bake differently.
Roll the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle toppings like sesame seeds if you prefer, then slice into finger-sized strips. Gently pull and stretch each piece into a long, thin strip. You can twist them for a decorative look.
2. Divide and shape the dough.
Slice the rectangle into finger-sized strips, then stretch or twist each piece into a long grissini. Place them about 1/2″ apart on the baking sheet so they crisp evenly.
3. Proof the dough.
Cover and let the grissini rise until puffy, about 30 minutes. This short proof makes them light, airy, and crisp when baked.
4. Bake the breadsticks.
Bake in a 375°F oven for 12–16 minutes, watching closely so the thin sticks don’t burn. When golden, move them to a cooling rack. Store fully cooled grissini in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Flavoring options (optional)
To add herbs, knead 1/2–1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh herbs into the dough before rolling. To add seeds, roll the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle seeds on top, press them lightly with a rolling pin, then cut and shape.
Printable Recipe
Breadsticks
Buttery, garlic-scented breadsticks that pair well with soups, stews, and dips.
Ingredients
- 260 g all-purpose or bread flour (about 2 cups)
- 140 ml water (1/2 cup + 1 1/2 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 22 g unsalted butter (1 1/2 tbsp) or olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
For the topping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (or minced fresh garlic + butter)
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients. Add water and butter, then knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll into a rectangle and cut into strips (approx. 7″ x 1″). For grissini, cut smaller finger-sized strips and stretch.
- Place strips on a prepared baking sheet, cover, and proof until puffy (about 90 minutes for soft breadsticks, ~30 minutes for grissini).
- Bake soft breadsticks at 400°F for 15–20 minutes; bake grissini at 375°F for 12–16 minutes. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and garlic after baking. Serve warm.
Can I use this dough for pizza crust?
Yes. Roll this dough into a large circle, top it with your ingredients, and bake at 450°F for about 10 minutes depending on your oven and thickness.
Cheesy breadsticks?
Sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking, or wrap string cheese with a dough strip for a melty stuffed version. You can also mix grated cheese into the dough.
What to serve with breadsticks
Breadsticks pair with many dishes: pizza sauce, hummus, soups, stews, or curries. They also taste great with simple marinara or garlic butter.
Three simple dipping sauces
1. Hummus
Hummus
Homemade hummus is quick to make and tastes better than store-bought.
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2–3 tbsp water to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Drain and rinse chickpeas. For the smoothest hummus, pinch off the skins if you have time.
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth, about 5 minutes, scraping as needed. Add reserved chickpea liquid to adjust texture.
- Serve with breadsticks or pita.
2. Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
Homemade Pizza Sauce
Quick, flavorful pizza sauce that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 400 g tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1 tsp dry basil
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Mix salt, sugar, and dried herbs.
- Heat oil over medium-low, add garlic and chili flakes to release aroma.
- Add tomatoes (or tomato paste) and cook on low until moisture evaporates and you reach desired consistency (about 6–8 minutes).
- Use cooled or store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze.
3. Easy Homemade Ranch
Homemade Ranch Dip
Tangy and herb-filled ranch that’s better than store-bought and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp granulated onion or onion powder
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt, to taste
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1–3 tsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Chill until ready to serve. Keeps up to a week in the refrigerator.