Warm from the oven, buttery with a golden crust, and laced with the scent of garlic… these garlic breadsticks might just steal the spotlight from your main dish. Whether you’re dipping them into soup or munching them on their own, they’re soft, chewy, and totally crave-worthy.
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Why You’ll Love These Garlic Breadsticks

They’re that irresistible mix of fluffy inside and lightly crisped outside
They’re a perfect match for cozy soups or pasta nights
No fancy tools, no fuss just a simple recipe that works every time
Want a spooky twist? Try these festive Halloween garlic bread versions too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
1 tbsp sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp garlic powder
Chopped parsley (optional)
Shredded mozzarella (optional, for cheesy version)
How to Make Garlic Breadsticks (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks frothy and bubbly like a little science experiment!
Step 2: Mix and knead the dough
Add in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 8 minutes. You want it smooth, elastic, and just slightly sticky.
Step 3: First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. It should feel pillowy and light when you poke it.
Step 4: Shape the breadsticks
Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into equal pieces 12 to 14 is a good number. Roll each into a rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart.
Step 5: Second rise and garlic butter
Let the shaped breadsticks rise again for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix your melted butter with minced garlic and garlic powder. Brush half of it over the breadsticks before baking.
Step 6: Bake and finish
Bake at 375°F for 15 18 minutes until golden and puffed. As soon as they come out, brush them with the remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle on parsley or shredded cheese if you’d like. Serve hot, and get ready for smiles.

Want a whole meal idea? These pair like a dream with creamy chicken and rice soup on chilly nights.
Recipe Variations to Try
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Before baking, sprinkle mozzarella over the top it’ll melt into gooey, golden magic.
Twisted Breadsticks
Roll each dough strip, then twist it like a ribbon before baking. They’re fun and fancy without trying too hard.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your garlic butter for a little heat in each bite.
No-Yeast Hack
In a rush? Swap the yeast and water for 1 cup yogurt and 2 tsp baking powder. You’ll get instant gratification.
Sweet-Savory Surprise
Brush with butter and honey, then dust with cinnamon sugar for a dessert-style twist.

Tips for Perfect Breadsticks Every Time
Let the yeast proof fully so you get the best rise
Use warm (not hot!) water too hot can kill the yeast
Don’t skip the second rise that’s where the magic texture happens
If using cheese, add it halfway through baking so it doesn’t burn
Got leftovers? Reheat in the oven for a few minutes and they’ll taste fresh again
What to Serve With Garlic Breadsticks
They’re perfect with anything saucy or soupy
Try dunking into Italian-style creamy Alfredo lasagna soup
Or make them a snack with marinara or creamy ranch on the side
FAQs About Garlic Breadsticks
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! After shaping, freeze on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the time.
What if I don’t have yeast?
Use the no-yeast shortcut with baking powder and yogurt. They won’t be as chewy, but still tasty!
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary. Look for one with xanthan gum for better results.
Try them tonight your kitchen will smell amazing and your people will thank you. And if you make these, don’t forget to leave a comment or pin it for later!
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Garlic Breadsticks Recipe (Soft, Buttery & Easy!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm from the oven, buttery with a golden crust, and laced with the scent of garlic… these garlic breadsticks might just steal the spotlight from your main dish. Soft, chewy, and totally crave-worthy—they’re perfect for cozy soup nights or just as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Shredded mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 12–14 pieces. Roll each into a rope and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let rise for another 20 minutes. Mix melted butter with minced garlic and garlic powder, then brush half over the breadsticks.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden. Brush with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley or cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the yeast proof fully for the best rise. Use warm (not hot!) water. Don’t skip the second rise—it makes all the difference. If using cheese, add it halfway through baking so it doesn’t burn. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg