Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe

If you’ve been craving that perfect soft, warm breadstick to dunk into marinara or just enjoy on its own, you’re in for a treat. I’m sharing my all-time favorite Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe that turns out pillowy, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness every single time. Whether you’re serving a weeknight pasta or want a cozy snack, you’ll find that these breadsticks are just insanely delicious and surprisingly easy to whip up.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples that play beautifully together to create that soft breadbase and the irresistible garlic butter topping. A few hints on the ingredients will help you pick the best products for the best results.

• Warm water: Make sure it’s between 100–110°F so the yeast wakes up without getting scared off.
• Instant or active dry yeast: I prefer instant yeast—it saves time because you can mix it directly with flour, but active dry works just fine too.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to help the yeast bloom and feed.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for the dough and melted again for the garlic butter glaze—quality butter shines here.
• Salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor but also balances the garlic butter nicely.
• Bread flour: Higher protein flour gives breadsticks their chewy yet tender crumb—if you only have all-purpose, it’s okay but the texture shifts a little.
• Garlic powder (optional): Added directly to the dough for a subtle garlic note, plus a bit more in the butter for that punch.
• Dried parsley or favorite herb (optional): Just a sprinkle on top to add some color and fresh flavor.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is—feel free to make it your own by playing around with flavors and textures. It’s fun to mix in new herbs or try alternative butters for different twists that suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Herbed Butter: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter glaze gave my breadsticks a fragrant uplift that my guests adored.
• Cheese-Stuffed: I once tucked a bit of mozzarella into each dough stick before shaping; the gooey surprise inside was a total hit.
• Gluten-Free: You can try a gluten-free bread flour blend, but keep in mind the texture will change quite a bit; patience is key here.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a subtle heat that’s perfect with a bowl of tomato soup.

How to Make Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up Your Yeast

Start by whisking your warm water, yeast, and sugar together in a bowl or the stand mixer bowl. Then cover it loosely and wait 5 to 10 minutes for that magical foamy froth to form on top. This tells you the yeast is ready to do its work. When I first tried skipping this step, my breadsticks turned out dense and flat, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Mix in the Good Stuff

Add melted butter, salt, and garlic powder (if you’re using it) along with about a third of your flour. If you’re mixing with a dough hook, low speed for 30 seconds is perfect. Scrape the bowl, then add the rest of the flour and switch to medium speed. Watch for the dough to come together and pull away from the sides. If it feels way too wet, add a touch more flour, but keep it soft and tacky.

Step 3: Knead Until Happy

Kneading is my favorite part because it’s where you get to feel the dough transform. Continue beating with the mixer dough hook or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes. If sticky dough tries to cling to your fingers or board, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour at a time until manageable. You want that soft, springy dough that slowly bounces back when poked. When you pass the “windowpane test,” you know it’s ready to prove.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly oil a big bowl and tuck your dough in, turning to coat every side. Cover it with a towel or foil and let it rest in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size. My countertop works great every time, and I just sit back and relax—no rushing.

Step 5: Shape Your Breadsticks

After the dough is nicely puffed up, punch it down to release air, then divide it in half. Cut each half into 7 equal pieces, roughly. Roll each piece into a log about eight inches long on a just lightly floured surface—you want to keep some tackiness to help with shaping but avoid sticking. Lay them on parchment-lined trays with enough space for the second rise.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the sticks and let them puff for about 20 minutes while your oven heats to 400°F (204°C). Then bake for 18 to 19 minutes, turning the pans halfway to brown evenly. If the breadsticks look too dark too soon, loosely tent with foil. This is where patience pays off—the smell starting to fill your kitchen will have you hovering nearby for sure!

Step 7: Garlic Butter Glory

While they bake, melt your butter and stir in the salt and garlic powder. Once the breadsticks are golden and out of the oven, brush them generously with this garlicky butter. Let them cool a few minutes—you don’t want to burn your mouth but trust me, it’s hard to wait!

How to Serve Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing mine with a sprinkle of dried parsley—it adds a pop of color and a little fresh herbal note that brightens the garlicky butter. Sometimes I swap in Italian seasoning or a touch of grated Parmesan for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These breadsticks are the perfect side for spaghetti Bolognese, creamy tomato soup, or even a crisp Caesar salad. I also serve them alongside my homemade lasagna, and my family goes absolutely crazy for the combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, I like arranging them in a circle around a bowl of marinara or cheese dip. Sometimes for holiday dinners, I tie a little twine bow around each stick for a cute, rustic look. It’s such a fun way to elevate a simple breadstick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover breadsticks tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. On the second day, I pop them in the fridge. They stay soft but just a touch drier, still delicious enough to reheat.

Freezing

I freeze leftovers wrapped individually or in a batch inside freezer bags. They thaw beautifully when left on the counter for 30-60 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Freezer-friendly and still soft! This saves so much kitchen anxiety for busy days.

Reheating

To bring leftover breadsticks back to life, I warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, then brush on a bit more garlic butter before serving. Microwave works for a quick fix, but the oven keeps that crust just a bit crisp without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Soft Breadsticks with Garlic Butter Recipe turns out every time—it’s become one of my go-to comfort foods and a family favorite for good reason. The combination of fluffy soft bread and rich garlic butter is just unbeatable. If you’ve been intimidated by yeast breads, I promise this recipe walks you through every step with care and makes it approachable. Give it a try on your next dinner night, and I guarantee you and your loved ones will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).

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