The Best Parmesan Garlic Breadsticks are easy to make
If you want a single versatile dough that becomes exceptional garlic parmesan breadsticks as well as French bread, pizza crust, rolls, and artisan loaves, this classic French bread dough is a dependable go-to. The loaf is tender and fluffy, and when brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan, the flavor becomes irresistible. These breadsticks are simple to prepare, rise beautifully, and bake into golden, soft sticks that disappear every time I serve them.
I first made these for a busy school banquet and used my reliable French bread dough to speed things up. Shaping the dough into sticks was even quicker than making loaves, and they were devoured in minutes. After that event I made them repeatedly for family dinners. For a sweet variation, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and serve with cream cheese frosting for dipping — a delightful treat that children and adults both enjoy.
Serve the Breadsticks with these great recipes
- Amazing Spaghetti Sauce
- Thick and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup
- No-noodle Zucchini Lasagna
- Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
- The Best Chicken Tetrazzini
- The Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Step-by-step pictures for how to make the Best Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Frequently Asked Questions about making Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Frequently Asked Questions about making Garlic Parmesan BreadsticksHow many breadsticks does this recipe make?
This dough yields about 30–40 breadsticks, depending on how wide you cut them. I often split the dough and use half for breadsticks and half for pizza when feeding a crowd.
Can I use grated bottled Parmesan or do I need freshly grated cheese?
Either works fine. Freshly grated Parmesan will give a slightly brighter flavor and finer melt, but bottled grated Parmesan is an easy and convenient option that still tastes great on these breadsticks.
Is there a way to speed up the dough rising?
Yes. To speed the rise, preheat the oven briefly to about 200°F (95°C), turn it off, place a hot pad on a rack, set the covered bowl of dough on the pad, and close the oven door. This creates a warm, draft-free environment and can noticeably shorten rising time. Use a plastic or insulated bowl so it doesn’t get too hot.
Should I butter the breadsticks before they rise or after?
Should I butter the breadsticks before they rise or after?Brush the melted garlic butter on before the final rise, after cutting the strips. That lets the butter soak into the surface while the dough puffs and produces a tender, flavorful crust when baked.
If I don’t have a basting brush, how should I get the butter on the breadsticks?
Pour melted butter onto the rolled-out dough and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon before slicing, or use a clean kitchen towel to gently dab butter onto the surface after cutting. Either approach works well.
Will these breadsticks work with gluten-free flour?
Gluten-free results vary by flour blend. I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, but a high-quality, cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend may work if it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. Expect differences in texture and rise.
Can I freeze the cooked breadsticks?
Yes. Allow breadsticks to cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. Use within about one month for best flavor; bread can absorb freezer aromas over time.
Baker’s tools for making breadsticks
Baker’s tools for making breadsticks- Large plastic mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Basting or pastry brush
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife for slicing
- Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel for covering dough
More Delicious Breadsticks
The Best Cheese Breadsticks
Easy Parmesan Breadsticks
Easy Baking Powder Breadsticks- 2 1/4 cups warm water (about the temperature of a baby’s bath)
- 2 tbsp active dry or instant yeast
- 2 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 1/2–6 cups all-purpose flour (add more as needed)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large plastic mixing bowl or stand mixer. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy if using active dry yeast. Skip this proofing step if using instant yeast.
- Add the salt and olive oil, mix briefly, then add 5 1/2 cups of flour.
- Knead by hand for 5–6 minutes or in a stand mixer about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and springy. Add up to 1/2 cup more flour if the dough is sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and start the rising process.
- You can either let it rise 30 minutes, punch down and rise 30 more, or knead it down every 10–15 minutes over an hour. Both methods produce good texture; multiple brief kneads yield a milder yeast flavor.
- After about an hour total rising time, divide the dough and prepare to shape the sticks.
- Line two large cookie sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray.
- Divide the dough in half and place each half on a prepared sheet. Press each portion out evenly until it nearly reaches the sheet edges.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 1-inch strips and then cut each strip in half across the middle to create individual sticks.
- Melt the butter, then stir in garlic salt and garlic powder.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the cut breadstick dough and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy. Repeat with the second pan if needed.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy.
Quick and Simple Treats
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Other breadstick recipes to try
- Easy Breadsticks
- Olive Garden-style Breadsticks
- Soft Garlic Parmesan Homemade Breadsticks
These garlic Parmesan breadsticks are an easy, crowd-pleasing addition to weeknight dinners, soup nights, potlucks, and special events. With a simple dough, straightforward shaping, and a flavorful garlic-Parmesan topping, you can bake a tray of soft, warm breadsticks in under an hour of active time. Experiment with toppings and dipping sauces to make them your own.