Description
These Garlic Butter Breadsticks are an easy, crispy, and flavorful homemade treat. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden, crispy crust, they are brushed with a delicious garlic butter sauce and optionally finished under the broiler for extra crispiness. Ideal as a side or a snack, this recipe yields 12 perfectly portioned breadsticks.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (for garlic butter sauce)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water (110°F / 43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the dough: Add 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt, and 3 cups (360g) of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until it starts to come together, then gradually add the remaining ½ cup (60g) flour. Knead the dough by hand for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First rise: Lightly grease the bowl with butter, place the dough inside, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Shape the breadsticks: Punch down the dough to release air, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a 6-inch (15cm) stick. Arrange the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5cm) apart.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely with a kitchen towel and let rest for 20 minutes until the breadsticks puff slightly.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the breadsticks: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown with crispy edges and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley if using.
- Brush breadsticks: Immediately after baking, brush the breadsticks generously with the warm garlic butter sauce to infuse flavor and add moisture.
- Optional broiling: For extra crispy edges, place the breadsticks under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after brushing. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Make sure the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well is key to developing gluten for a good texture.
- You can add more garlic or parsley to the butter sauce for a stronger flavor.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Broil only briefly and keep a close eye to avoid burning the garlic butter topping.
