Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

These Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a warm, fluffy texture that complements your favorite dishes perfectly. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, soups, or as an appetizer, these breadsticks will impress your family and guests alike. Their rich garlic butter flavor and soft, pillowy consistency make them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Side Dish: These breadsticks pair well with a variety of meals, from Italian to American cuisine.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic powder and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 16 servings, these breadsticks are great for gatherings or family dinners.
• Customizable: Feel free to add herbs or cheese to the dough for even more flavor options.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delicious breadsticks, gather the essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer with a dough hook
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat
• Plastic wrap or tea towel

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer with a dough hook: Saves time and effort in kneading the dough, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, promoting uniform cooking.
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

These Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks are incredibly soft, fluffy and buttery. They’re so simple to make and are a great addition to all your meals!

• 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (110-115˚F)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups All purpose flour
• 5 tablespoon Melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

How to Make Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Pour warm water into a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar into the warmed water without stirring. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam up, your yeast may not be active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add melted butter, salt, and half of the flour into the bowl. Mix on low speed while gradually adding the remaining flour. Once combined, increase speed to medium low (2 on a KitchenAid mixer) and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 7-10 minutes. Alternatively, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the dough inside and turn it to coat both sides. Loosely cover it with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks

Once risen, punch down the dough to remove air bubbles. Shape it into a long log and divide this log into 16-18 even pieces. Roll each piece between your palms to create thin logs about 7 inches long.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Place the logs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased with cooking spray about 1 inch apart. Cover them with a tea towel while you shape any remaining breadsticks.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the baking sheet again after shaping all breadsticks and allow them to rest for another hour until they have doubled in size once more.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the tops of the breadsticks with cooking spray; this helps prevent drying out during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake breadsticks for about 14-15 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 9: Add Garlic Butter Topping

While they bake, combine melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Once finished baking, remove them from the oven immediately brush the tops with this mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

These Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks are not just delicious on their own; they can complement a variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hearty meal or as a snack, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.

With Pasta Dishes

• Spaghetti Marinara: Serve alongside spaghetti marinara for a classic Italian meal. The breadsticks will soak up the extra sauce beautifully.
• Fettuccine Alfredo: Pair with creamy fettuccine Alfredo to balance the richness of the dish.

As Appetizers

• With Soup: Serve warm breadsticks as an appetizer with your favorite soup, such as tomato basil or chicken noodle, for a comforting start to any meal.
• Dipped in Hummus: Offer breadsticks as a healthy snack by serving them with hummus for dipping.

With Salads

• Caesar Salad: Enjoy these breadsticks as a crunchy addition to a fresh Caesar salad, adding texture and flavor.
• Garden Salad: Serve them alongside a garden salad to make your meal more filling and satisfying.

How to Perfect Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

To ensure your Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is smooth and elastic after kneading. This will help achieve that fluffy texture.
• Bold Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place. A slightly heated oven works well for this purpose.
• Bold Proper Measuring: Use accurate measurements for ingredients. Too much flour can lead to dense breadsticks.
• Bold Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh yeast and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Bold Baking Time: Watch your breadsticks closely towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking. They should be golden brown.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks pair well with various side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here’s a list of perfect companions.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: These flavorful veggies add color and nutrition to your table, complementing the buttery taste of the breadsticks.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Velvety mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs nicely with garlic flavors.
3. Grilled Chicken Salad: A light grilled chicken salad offers freshness while balancing the richness of the breadsticks.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry adds crunch and nutrition, making it an excellent match with soft breadsticks.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers contribute protein and flavor diversity that complements the garlic butter taste.
6. Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: This low-carb option offers a light side dish that pairs well without overshadowing the breadsticks’ flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Yeast Activation: If the yeast doesn’t froth after 10 minutes, it may be inactive. Always check the water temperature and ensure it’s between 110-115˚F for proper activation.
• Too Much Flour: Adding too much flour can result in dry breadsticks. Measure accurately and avoid adding extra flour unless the dough is overly sticky.
• Insufficient Rising Time: Rushing the rising process can lead to dense breadsticks. Allow enough time for the dough to double in size for optimal fluffiness.
• Overbaking: Baking the breadsticks too long can make them hard. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking for that perfect golden brown color.
• Skipping Seasoning: Not using enough garlic powder or Italian seasoning can lead to bland breadsticks. Adjust according to your taste preferences for maximum flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

• Place cooled breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per breadstick, but they may become chewy.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks?

To make these homemade breadsticks, follow the recipe provided above, ensuring you activate the yeast properly and allow sufficient rising time.

Can I customize Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like cheese, herbs, or even spices to suit your taste preferences while preparing your homemade garlic butter breadsticks.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and feel slightly puffy. A good test is gently pressing down on it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

What should I serve with Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks?

These delicious breadsticks pair well with soups, salads, or as a side with pasta dishes. They’re versatile enough for any meal!

Conclusion

These Homemade Garlic Butter Breadsticks are not just soft and fluffy; they are also incredibly versatile and perfect for any meal. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite herbs or cheese toppings. Try this recipe today, and enjoy warm, buttery goodness at your table!

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