HOMEMADE GARLIC BREADSTICKS
(Soft, Cheesy, Ready in 90 Minutes)
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 50 minutes
Bake Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 24 breadsticks
Difficulty: Medium
Dietary: Vegetarian
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Alternative tools:
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or knead by hand)
• Pizza cutter (or sharp knife)
INGREDIENTS:
For the dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp (5g) sugar
- 1½ tsp (7g) salt
- 1½ cups (350ml) warm water (105-110°F/40-43°C)
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
For the garlic coating:
- ½ cup (115g) butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
METHOD:
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl
- Add olive oil and yeast mixture to flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic
- Place in oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth. Let rise 45-50 minutes or until doubled
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Punch down dough and divide into 24 pieces
- Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 2 inches apart
- Let rest 15 minutes uncovered
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown
- While baking, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt
- Brush hot breadsticks with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Water must be warm (105-110°F) – too hot kills yeast, too cold won’t activate it
- Don’t skip the second rest after shaping
- Brush with butter immediately after baking
- Watch closely during final minutes to prevent over-browning
STORAGE:
- Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months, wrapped well
- Reheat: 350°F for 5 minutes
VARIATIONS:
- Stuff with mozzarella before baking
- Add Italian seasoning to dough
- Make them twisted for fancy presentation
- Use vegan butter and skip cheese for dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Over-flouring the dough
- Skipping rise times
- Under-kneading
- Baking at wrong temperature
