Description
These homemade soft breadsticks are fluffy, buttery, and easy to make, perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or salad. Made from simple pantry ingredients, they are baked to golden perfection with a soft interior and a slightly crisp crust, then brushed with garlic butter and herbs for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Breadsticks: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-8 inch long stick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped breadsticks loosely with a towel and let them rise again for about 20-30 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the Oven: While the breadsticks are rising the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they turn lightly golden on top.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the breadsticks bake, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush and Serve: As soon as the breadsticks come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle a little salt on top if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh garlic minced finely in place of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- For crispier breadsticks, you can increase the baking time by a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Brush a little extra melted butter after baking for softer texture and richness.
- Adding grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter adds a cheesy twist.
