How to Make Homemade Breadsticks: 6 Easy Recipes for Every Skill Level

Intermediate breadstick recipes with variations

Now that you've mastered the basic breadstick recipe, it's time to level up your breadstick game with some delicious variations.
These intermediate recipes incorporate additional flavours and ingredients to take your breadsticks to the next level.

Parmesan and Garlic Breadsticks

Parmesan and garlic breadsticks are a popular appetiser or side dish.
They can also be served as a snack or dessert and go well with a variety of dishes, such as Pasta, Soup, Salad, or Pizza.

Here is a recipe for Parmesan and garlic breadsticks:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, adding the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough during the mixing process.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, brushing them with melted butter before baking.
3. Once baked, brush the warm breadsticks with additional melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

These Parmesan and garlic breadsticks are bursting with flavour and make a perfect accompaniment to any Italian-inspired meal.

Savoury Herb and Cheese Twists

Savoury herb and cheese twists are a popular appetiser or snack.
They can also be served as a side dish with soup or salad.
They are easy to make and can be customised to your liking by using different types of cheese and herbs.

Here is a basic recipe for savoury herb and cheese twists:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, thyme, and basil)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, adding the dried Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the dough during the mixing process.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, twisting each rope of dough before placing it on the baking sheet.
3. Bake as directed, until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

These savoury herb and cheese twists are a crowd-pleasing option, perfect for parties or as a flavourful snack.

Advanced techniques for making gourmet breadsticks

For those looking to take their breadstick-making skills to the next level, we have some advanced techniques and recipes that are sure to impress.

These gourmet breadsticks incorporate unique flavours and creative shaping techniques to elevate your homemade breadsticks to restaurant-quality.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed Breadsticks

Sun-dried tomato and feta stuffed breadsticks are a popular appetiser or snack.
They can also be served as a side dish with soup or salad and are a flavourful and satisfying way to enjoy the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Here is a recipe for sun-dried tomato and feta stuffed breadsticks:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, adding the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the dough during the mixing process.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, making sure to seal the sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese inside each breadstick.
3. Bake as directed, until the breadsticks are golden brown and the filling is heated through.

These sun-dried tomato and feta stuffed breadsticks are bursting with Mediterranean flavours and make a great addition to any antipasto platter.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Breadsticks

Cinnamon sugar pretzel breadsticks are a popular snack or dessert.
They are also a good option for parties or potlucks.
They are easy to make and can be customised to your liking by adding different toppings, such as chocolate chips or nuts.

Here is a recipe for cinnamon sugar pretzel breadsticks:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (43.°C/110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Follow the basic breadstick recipe outlined above, omitting the salt from the dough.
2. Proceed with shaping and baking the breadsticks as directed, but instead of brushing them with olive oil, dip each breadstick in a solution of warm water and baking soda.
   This will give them a pretzel-like texture and taste.
3. Bake as directed, until the breadsticks are golden brown and crispy.
4. While still warm, brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

These cinnamon sugar pretzel breadsticks are a sweet twist on the classic savoury breadstick and make a delightful dessert or snack.

Recipe For Gluten Free and Keto Breadsticks

These easy-to-make, easy-to-bake cheesy Italian-style breadsticks will be the new snack that you'll fall in love with!
The great thing about this cheesy mozzarella dough is that there’s absolutely no grain or wheat at all.
It is made with 5 simple ingredients and is naturally gluten-free and Ketogenic Diet friendly.

The aroma and satisfying texture of these soft and crunchy, cheesy breadsticks with parsley and garlic definitely doesn’t disappoint.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup shredded Mozzarella
• ½ cup Almond Flour
• 1 tsp minced Garlic
• 1 Tbsp chopped Parsley
• 1 Egg Yolk

Instructions:

1. Blend all the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Lightly knead the mixture into a smooth dough.
3. Divide the dough into even-sized balls then roll each out into sticks.
4. Put the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 6-8 minutes at 200℃ (400℉)

Shaping your breadsticks;
I usually split the dough into pieces and shape each one individually into a strip,

When shaping the strips, their size and how long or thick they are is totally up to you.
Just make sure the strips of dough are as equal as possible in size so that they bake evenly.

Tips for perfectly shaped and flavoured breadsticks

Now that you have a range of breadstick recipes to choose from, it's important to ensure that your breadsticks turn out perfectly every time.
Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Measure ingredients accurately:
  Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise measurements, especially for flour, as it can greatly affect the texture of the breadsticks.
• Knead the dough thoroughly:
  Proper kneading develops gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic dough. Knead for at least 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and springs back when pressed.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place:
  Yeast needs warmth to activate and rise, so find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to double in size.
  Covering the bowl with a clean kitchen towel helps create a warm environment.
• Experiment with flavours:
  Don't be afraid to get creative with your breadstick seasonings. Add herbs, spices, cheese, or even dried fruits for a unique twist.
• Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for shaping:
  To achieve evenly shaped breadsticks, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into ropes.
  This will give you more control and precision.
• Brush with oil or melted butter:
  Brushing the breadsticks with olive oil or melted butter before baking adds flavour and helps achieve a golden brown crust.
• Season generously:
  Don't be shy when it comes to seasoning your breadsticks.
  Sprinkle with salt, herbs, cheese, or any other seasonings while the breadsticks are still warm to ensure maximum flavour absorption.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating picture-perfect breadsticks that are packed with flavour.

Serving suggestions and dips for breadsticks

Now that your homemade breadsticks are ready, it's time to think about serving suggestions and dips that will complement their deliciousness.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Marinara sauce:
  Classic breadsticks pair perfectly with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
  The tangy tomato flavours complement the breadsticks' savoury goodness.
• Garlic butter:
  Melt some butter and mix in minced garlic and herbs for a rich and flavourful dip.
• Cheese dip:
  Prepare a cheesy dip by melting your favourite cheeses with a bit of milk or cream.
  Add some spices or herbs for an extra kick.
• Hummus:
  For a healthier option, serve your breadsticks with a side of hummus.
  The creamy texture and savoury flavour of hummus make it an excellent accompaniment to breadsticks.
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar:
  Create a simple yet elegant dipping sauce by combining extra virgin olive oil with aged balsamic vinegar.
  Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra taste.

Feel free to experiment with different dips and sauces to find your perfect pairing. The possibilities are endless!

Troubleshooting common breadstick baking issues

Even the most experienced bakers encounter challenges from time to time.

Here are some common breadstick baking issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Dense breadsticks:
  If your breadsticks turn out dense and heavy, it may be due to over-kneading the dough or using too much flour.
  
  Ensure that you're kneading just until the dough is smooth and elastic, and use the recommended amount of flour.
• Flat breadsticks:
  Flat breadsticks can result from not allowing the dough to rise properly.
  
  Make sure you let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size before shaping and baking.
• Burnt breadsticks:
  If your breadsticks are consistently burning, try lowering the oven temperature or reducing the baking time.
  
  Keep a close eye on them during baking to avoid overcooking.
• Unevenly shaped breadsticks:
  To achieve even shapes, make sure you're cutting the dough into equal-sized portions and rolling them into ropes of the same thickness.
  
  Using a ruler or measuring tape can help ensure consistency.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out exactly as planned. Keep experimenting and refining your technique, and soon you'll be a breadstick-baking pro.

Conclusion and final thoughts

Congratulations on completing your homemade breadstick journey!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these easy-to-follow recipes and tips will help you create delicious breadsticks that are sure to impress.
From the classic Parmesan and garlic to gourmet stuffed options, the possibilities are endless.

So why settle for store-bought breadsticks when you can enjoy the taste and satisfaction of homemade ones? With a few simple ingredients and some kitchen prowess, you can elevate any meal with these flavourful and versatile treats.

So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked breadsticks fill your home.
Your family and friends will thank you for it.
Happy breadstick baking!