Buttery Garlic Breadsticks with Italian Seasoning

These Buttery Garlic Breadsticks with Italian Seasoning are the ultimate twist on homemade garlic bread. Picture soft, pillowy breadsticks drenched in a rich garlic-butter blend, dusted with fragrant Italian herbs and finished with a light crisp on the outside. Whether you're serving them alongside pasta or using them to mop up your favorite sauce, these breadsticks will quickly become your go-to garlic bread recipe. They’re simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for a dinner party, making them one of the best garlic bread recipes you'll ever try.

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Buttery Garlic Breadsticks with Italian Seasoning

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Rising Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8 breadsticks

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for garlic-butter mixture
• Rolling pin or your hands for shaping
• Baking sheet or sheet pan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry Brush (or spoon for drizzling)
• Oven thermometer (optional but helpful for precision)

Ingredients

  

For the dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast one packet
• 1 cup warm water 105–115°F / 40–46°C
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 1 tsp salt

For the garlic-butter topping

• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large garlic cloves minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning a blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

Proof the Yeast

1. In your mixing bowl, whisk together warm water and sugar.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top, stir gently, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
3. That’s how you know your dough will have good rise. This foundational step ensures soft, airy breadsticks.

Make the Dough

1. To the foamy yeast mix, add softened butter, salt, and half the flour.
2. Stir (or mix on low speed) to combine. When the dough starts pulling away from the bowl, add the rest of the flour.
3. Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface or 4–5 minutes in a stand mixer, until smooth and elastic. If dough is sticky, add up to ¼ cup more flour.

First Rise

1. Lightly oil the bowl and place your dough inside, rolling to coat.
2. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
3. Let rise in a warm spot (around 75–80°F / 24–27°C) until doubled—about 60 minutes.

Shape the Breadsticks

1. Gently punch down the dough to release air.
2. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide into 8 pieces (for larger breadsticks) or up to 12 for smaller sizes.
3. Roll each piece into a 1-inch-wide rope, about 8–10 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spaced 1 inch apart.

Second Rise (Optional, but recommended)

1. Cover the shaped breadsticks and let rest for 15 minutes. This second rise yields fluffier, tender centers.

Prepare Garlic-Butter Mixture

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and if desired, Parmesan cheese.

Bake & Brush

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush each breadstick generously with garlic-butter.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown on top.
4. Remove from oven and immediately brush again with the remaining garlic-butter mix.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Pairings

These buttery breadsticks are a delicious complement to a wide range of meals and occasions:

• Classic Italian dinners: Serve them with spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or creamy Alfredo.
  
• Soups & salads: Ideal with minestrone, tomato basil soup, or a crisp Caesar salad.
  
• Appetizer boards: Pair with marinated olives, sliced salami, roasted red peppers, or fresh mozzarella for a DIY garlic bread appetizer option.
  
• Comfort food nights: Use them to soak up gravy on a plate of baked chicken or stews.
  
• Brunch: Works great alongside eggs, bacon, and herbal tea or coffee.

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour or whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Bread flour can give a chewier texture thanks to higher protein. For whole wheat, substitute 25–50% of the flour and expect a denser result. Adjust water as needed.

2. Should I knead the dough by hand or with a mixer?

Either works. Kneading by hand gives a satisfying tactile experience—great for beginners. A mixer cuts the time but be careful not to overheat the dough from overmixing.

3. What cut of butter is best?

Use unsalted for control over saltiness, but salted butter works fine too. If using salted, skip adding extra salt to the garlic-butter mixture.

4. Can I make these cheesy garlic breadsticks?

Absolutely! To make homemade garlic cheese bread, top the breadsticks with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for the last few minutes of baking. You can even press in shredded cheddar or Italian blend.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly.