Garlic Herb Breadsticks

Name: Garlic Herb Breadsticks
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 breadsticks
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

I can’t resist the enticing aroma of freshly baked garlic herb breadsticks wafting through my kitchen. These mouthwatering delights are not only soft and chewy but also bursting with flavor from aromatic herbs and buttery garlic. As I perfected this recipe, I found that allowing the dough to rise slowly makes all the difference in achieving that airy texture we all crave. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a staple at your dinner table, perfect for dipping in marinara or pairing with your favorite pasta.

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-03-20T22:24:17.604Z

Each time I bake these garlic herb breadsticks, I can't help but reminisce about family gatherings where they'd always steal the show. The traditional recipe I learned incorporates a blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic, which harmoniously infuses into the dough. I discovered that baking them on a parchment-lined sheet enhances their crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully soft.

During one of my experiments, I decided to brush the breadsticks with a mix of olive oil and melted butter before baking. This small twist not only amplified the flavor but also gave them a beautiful golden sheen that makes them utterly irresistible. I encourage you to try this simple addition for a delicious result!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Irresistible aroma of garlic and fresh herbs
Soft and chewy texture with a golden crust
Perfect for pairing with meals or enjoying as a snack

The Importance of Rising Time

Allowing your dough to rise slowly is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in these breadsticks. A longer rise time enhances the flavors and helps develop gluten, leading to a softer, chewier texture. If you have time, letting the dough rise for an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator can improve the flavor further, creating an even richer taste. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping for the best results.

Monitoring the temperature of your dough environment can also make a significant difference. If your kitchen is cold, consider preheating the oven slightly, turning it off, and placing the dough inside with the door closed to create a warm, draft-free environment. This method can speed up the rising process, allowing the yeast to activate more efficiently.

Perfecting the Shape

When shaping your breadsticks, aim for uniformity in size to ensure even baking. Using a kitchen scale can help you portion out the dough into equal pieces; each piece should weigh approximately 30 grams. After rolling them into sticks, give them a gentle taper at the ends for a nice, artisanal look. This attention to detail not only enhances appearance but can also affect the texture; thinner ends may crisp up beautifully while keeping the center chewy.

Another tip is to roll the dough under your palms rather than your fingers. This technique minimizes stretching and preserves the air bubbles developed during rising, leading to lighter breadsticks. Remember, you don’t want to overwork them at this stage—just a few gentle rolls will do.

Ingredients

Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make the perfect garlic herb breadsticks.

For the Breadsticks

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons melted butter

With these ingredients in hand, you're well on your way to creating delicious garlic herb breadsticks!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your garlic herb breadsticks.

Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Breadsticks

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the risen dough, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a stick shape, about 6 inches long, and place them on a greased baking sheet.

Add Garlic and Herbs

In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme with the melted butter. Brush this mixture over each breadstick generously.

Bake

Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with any remaining garlic butter.

Serve

Let the breadsticks cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with marinara or your favorite sauce!

Your delicious garlic herb breadsticks are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunchy texture, consider sprinkling a bit of coarse sea salt on top just before baking.

Garlic and Herb Infusion

The combination of garlic and fresh herbs is the heart of these breadsticks. Fresh garlic provides a pungent kick, while herbs like rosemary and thyme add earthiness. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can substitute with one teaspoon of dried herbs, but remember to adjust the quantity to taste. Fresh garlic is preferable for its bold flavor, but if you're looking for a milder option, roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter can yield a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the herbs beautifully.

To amplify the garlic flavor even more, consider infusing the olive oil with crushed garlic before mixing it into the dough. Just warm the olive oil gently with a couple of crushed cloves, let it cool, then strain out the garlic before adding it to your mixture. This process will lend a more subtle garlic flavor throughout the breadsticks.

Serving and Storage Tips

These garlic herb breadsticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored for later. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the breadsticks by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months this way. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

When serving these delightful breadsticks, pair them with a simple marinara sauce for dipping, or elevate your appetizer game by offering a variety of sauces, such as pesto or garlic aioli. They also make a fantastic side to a salad or a bowl of soup, providing that perfect contrast of soft chewiness against creamy or brothy dishes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the amount since they are more concentrated. About 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per tablespoon of fresh should suffice.

→ How do I store leftover breadsticks?

Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

→ What can I serve with these breadsticks?

These breadsticks are versatile! They pair well with marinara sauce, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or can be enjoyed alongside any pasta dish.