There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? Imagine pulling out a tray of golden, crispy Italian breadsticks, their aroma mingling with hints of garlic and herbs. Whether you’re serving them alongside a steaming bowl of soup, a hearty pasta dish, or just snacking on them straight off the tray, these breadsticks are a game-changer. And guess what? You don’t need to visit Olive Garden to enjoy them—this Italian breadsticks recipe is even better than the restaurant version!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Breadsticks Recipe
Let’s be real: store-bought breadsticks can’t hold a candle to homemade ones. These are pillow-soft on the inside, with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. Plus, they’re drenched in a garlicky, buttery glaze that’ll have you reaching for seconds (or thirds).
The best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull these off. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a batch of Italian grissini-style breadsticks that’ll impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy Italian breadsticks:
- 2 teaspoons sugar (to feed the yeast)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (think baby bath temperature)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about ¼ ounce)
- 3 cups bread flour (plus extra if needed)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 egg (for the egg wash)
- ¼ cup melted butter (for that irresistible glaze)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the sugar in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If it gets foamy, you’re good to go. If not, your yeast might be past its prime—time to grab a fresh packet!
2. Make the Dough
Add the bread flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour (¼ cup at a time) until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise
Lightly oil the bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to tidy up or sip on a cup of coffee.
4. Shape the Breadsticks
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the breadsticks with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water) and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until they’re just starting to turn golden.
6. Add the Garlic Butter Glaze
While the breadsticks are still warm, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this heavenly mixture over the breadsticks, and prepare for your kitchen to smell like an Italian trattoria.
Tips for the Best Italian Breadsticks
- Use bread flour for extra fluffiness. All-purpose flour works too, but bread flour gives these breadsticks their signature rise.
- Don’t skip the egg wash. It’s the secret to that beautiful golden color.
- Make them ahead of time. You can refrigerate the shaped dough for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before popping it in the oven.
What to Serve with Italian Breadsticks
These breadsticks are incredibly versatile. Pair them with:
- A classic marinara sauce for dipping
- A cozy bowl of tomato soup or broccoli cheddar soup
- A big plate of spaghetti carbonara or lasagna
- A fresh garden salad for a lighter option
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 170°F oven for about 10 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as fresh!
Soft Italian Breadsticks Recipe: Better Than Olive Garden!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sugar to feed the yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water think baby bath temperature
- 1 packet active dry yeast about ¼ ounce
- 3 cups bread flour plus extra if needed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 egg for the egg wash
- ¼ cup melted butter for that irresistible glaze
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
- Start by dissolving the sugar in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If it gets foamy, you’re good to go. If not, your yeast might be past its prime—time to grab a fresh packet!
- Make the Dough
- Add the bread flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour (¼ cup at a time) until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise
- Lightly oil the bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to tidy up or sip on a cup of coffee.
- Shape the Breadsticks
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the breadsticks with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water) and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until they’re just starting to turn golden.
- Add the Garlic Butter Glaze
- While the breadsticks are still warm, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this heavenly mixture over the breadsticks, and prepare for your kitchen to smell like an Italian trattoria.
Notes
- Instant yeast can be substituted for active dry yeast; reduce rise times by 10–15 minutes if using instant yeast.
- Bread flour is recommended for fluffier results but all-purpose flour works too—just knead longer until the dough passes the “windowpane test.”
- Store leftovers in a zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze tightly wrapped for 1–2 months. Reheat in a warm oven (170°F) for 10–15 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into sticks, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before the final rise and baking.
- Flavor Variations: Add grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or rosemary) to the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with marinara sauce, creamy Alfredo dip, or a bowl of hearty soup for a comforting meal.
- Texture Tip: To ensure softness, avoid overbaking. Remove the breadsticks when they’re just starting to turn golden around the edges.
- Freezing Raw Dough: Divide the dough into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the fridge before shaping and rising.
Enjoy these delicious breadsticks as a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a tray of homemade Italian breadsticks out of the oven. They’re crispy, fluffy, and packed with flavor—everything a breadstick should be. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. So, why not give this Italian breadstick recipe a try? Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Looking for More Italian Recipes?
Here are some must-try recipes that bring authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen:
- Bread Machine Italian Bread
- Italian Cream Cheese and Ricotta Cheesecake
- Homemade Italian Turkey Sausage
- Italian Crostata: Italian Jam Tart
- One-Pot Italian Sausage and Rice
Try these recipes and bring the taste of Italy to your table!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
