Easy Homemade Breadsticks Recipe (Ready in 1 Hour!)

Key Takeaways:

• Master soft, buttery breadsticks with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for beginners – no special equipment needed
• Makes 12 breadsticks (serves 4 people)
• Ready in 60 minutes from start to finish

Introduction

Making homemade breadsticks might seem tricky, but with this straightforward recipe, you’ll create soft, warm breadsticks that rival your favorite restaurants. This recipe delivers consistent results whether you’re new to bread making or an experienced baker.

Equipment & Ingredients

Kitchen Tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Clean kitchen towel
• Rolling pin

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1 cup warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For Topping:

• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Substitutions:

• Whole wheat flour (replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour)
• Vegan butter for topping
• Italian seasoning mix for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (10 minutes):

1. Check Your Ingredients:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
• Check yeast expiration date
• Gather all equipment before starting

1. Prepare Your Space:

• Clear and clean a large counter space
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper
• Wash hands thoroughly
• Pre-measure all ingredients (this is called “mise en place”)

1. Heat Water Properly:

• Fill measuring cup with tap water
• Test with thermometer if possible (110-115°F)
• If no thermometer: water should feel warm, not hot, on your wrist
• Too hot will kill yeast; too cold won’t activate it

Making the Dough (15 minutes):

1. Activate the Yeast:

• Pour warm water into large bowl
• Add sugar and stir until dissolved
• Sprinkle yeast over water
• Wait 5 minutes – mixture should look foamy
• If no foam appears, your yeast might be dead – start over with fresh yeast

1. Create Initial Mix:

• Add olive oil to yeast mixture
• Add salt
• Stir gently with wooden spoon

1. Add Flour:

• Add flour 1 cup at a time
• Stir after each cup
• Mixture will become shaggy and harder to stir
• When too thick to stir, switch to using hands

1. Knead the Dough:

• Dust counter with 2 tablespoons flour
• Turn dough onto floured surface
• Fold dough over itself repeatedly
• Press down with heel of hand
• Turn dough 90 degrees and repeat
• Continue for 8-10 minutes
• Dough should become smooth and spring back when poked
• Add small amounts of flour if too sticky

Rising Phase (20 minutes):

1. Prepare Bowl:

• Clean mixing bowl
• Add 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Spread oil around bowl with paper towel

1. Rest Dough:

• Place dough in oiled bowl
• Turn once to coat with oil
• Cover with damp (not wet) clean kitchen towel
• Place in warm spot (near oven or in sunlight)
• Let rise 20 minutes or until doubled
• Poke with finger – indent should remain

Shaping Phase (5 minutes):

1. Divide Dough:

• Turn dough onto lightly floured surface
• Pat into rough rectangle
• Cut into 12 equal pieces (cut in half, then each half into 6)
• Use bench scraper or knife

1. Shape Breadsticks:

• Take one piece of dough
• Roll between hands or on counter
• Form into 6-inch rope
• Keep other pieces covered while working
• Place on prepared baking sheet
• Space 1 inch apart
• Repeat with remaining pieces

Baking Phase (12-15 minutes):

1. Prepare for Baking:

• Place rack in middle of oven
• Preheat to 400°F
• Let oven fully preheat (about 10 minutes)

1. Prepare Topping:

• Melt butter in microwave (30 seconds)
• Mix in garlic powder and salt
• Set aside

1. Bake Breadsticks:

• Place baking sheet in oven
• Set timer for 12 minutes
• Check at 12 minutes – should be light golden brown
• If needed, bake 2-3 minutes more

1. Final Touches:

• Remove from oven carefully
• Brush immediately with garlic butter mixture
• Let cool 5 minutes before serving

Success Check:

• Properly baked breadsticks should be:
• Light golden brown
• Slightly firm outside
• Soft and fluffy inside
• Sound hollow when tapped

Troubleshooting

Dough too sticky?

• Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time while kneading
• Keep hands lightly floured

Dough won’t rise?

• Check water temperature
• Ensure yeast is fresh
• Move to warmer spot

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese-topped: Sprinkle with parmesan before baking
• Whole wheat: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour
• Italian style: Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to dough

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 3 months well-wrapped

Reheating:

1. Oven: 350°F for 5 minutes
2. Microwave: 15-20 seconds wrapped in damp paper towel

Safety Notes & Tips

• Check water temperature with thermometer if possible
• Let cool 5 minutes before serving
• Handle hot baking sheet with oven mitts
• Keep raw dough away from other foods

Pro Tips:

• Score top of breadsticks lightly for texture
• Brush with butter immediately after baking
• Let dough come to room temperature if frozen
• Don’t skip the rising time