Garlic Herb Breadsticks — Soft, Chewy & Cheesy

These homemade garlic herb breadsticks are soft and chewy on the inside with a crunchy, cheesy, garlic-herb crust on top — ideal alongside spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, pizza, or any Italian meal.

I baked these breadsticks as a complement to a cheese-filled pasta for a family dinner. The finished sticks are substantial — thicker than the thin restaurant variety — with a tender interior and a golden, flavorful topping that crisps slightly at the edges. They’re perfect to pull apart and dip into marinara, or to serve as a buttery, herb-scented side to any Italian-inspired main course.

Ingredients

Breadsticks

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• Olive oil cooking spray

Topping

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe Overview

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and bubbly — this indicates the yeast is active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a rough dough forms. Fold in the softened butter and continue to bring the dough together.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic and forms a solid ball.
4. Lightly spray a large bowl with olive oil cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning once to coat the surface, then cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
5. Once doubled, punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal-sized ovals. Work with one piece at a time and gently stretch each oval to about 12 inches in length.
6. Fold each stretched strip in half lengthwise, then twist the two sides together to form a classic twisted breadstick shape. Place the shaped sticks on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Cover the arranged breadsticks and allow them to rise a second time for about 30 minutes. During this final rise, preheat the oven to 400°F.
8. While the sticks are rising, prepare the garlic herb topping: melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl, then stir in the dried parsley, dried oregano, garlic powder and chopped fresh basil. Mix well so the flavors meld and the butter is evenly seasoned. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan or reserve the cheeses to sprinkle on just before baking, if you prefer a less melted topping.
9. Brush the seasoned butter mixture evenly over each breadstick, covering the tops and getting a bit into the twists so the flavor penetrates the dough.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Remove from the oven when the topping starts to turn golden and the breadsticks sound hollow when tapped.
11. Transfer the finished breadsticks to a serving platter. Serve warm alongside pasta, lasagna, ravioli, chicken parmesan, pizza, or your favorite Italian dishes. They also pair wonderfully with marinara or garlic-butter dipping sauces.

These breadsticks hold up well as a side for casual weeknight meals or as part of a larger dinner spread for guests. They can be made ahead and reheated briefly in the oven to refresh their texture.

Notes & Tips

• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, sprinkle a bit of garlic powder on top just before baking in addition to the melted butter mixture.
• For a crispier exterior, brush an additional light layer of butter after baking.
• Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan add texture and a savory finish; adjust quantities to taste.
• Work gently with the dough when shaping to avoid deflating the air pockets created during rising.

Nutrition Facts (per breadstick)

• Calories: 181 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 7 g (Saturated Fat: 4 g)
• Cholesterol: 17 mg
• Sodium: 178 mg
• Potassium: 39 mg
• Sugar: 1 g
• Calcium: 30 mg
• Iron: 0.3 mg

These garlic herb breadsticks are a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to any Italian meal. The combination of warm, tender dough and the aromatic, cheesy topping makes them a go-to side that’s easy to prepare and enjoy with family and friends.