5 Best Breadstick Recipes for Garlic Lovers

Garlic breadsticks are an irresistible treat for any garlic aficionado, combining the comforting chew of bread with the zesty, pungent flavor of garlic. These long, slender sticks of dough, often twisted or braided, are perfect for mopping up marinara sauce or for snacking on their own. In this blog post, we delve into the 5 best breadstick recipes for garlic lovers, offering a variety of tastes and techniques to satisfy your garlic cravings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, these recipes will take your breadstick game to the next level.

1. Classic Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Overview: These breadsticks are the epitome of traditional garlic bread. They’re simple to make, yet pack a punch of flavor with fresh garlic and sharp Parmesan cheese.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1 packet of active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Activate the yeast by mixing it with water and sugar, letting it sit until it’s frothy (about 5-10 minutes).
  2. Mix flour and salt, then slowly incorporate the yeast mixture to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth.
  3. Add garlic, parsley, and half the Parmesan into the dough.
  4. Let the dough rise for an hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Roll out the dough, cut into strips, and twist or braid each strip.
  6. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

🍞 Note: For extra flavor, you can brush the breadsticks with garlic-infused oil after baking.

2. Garlic and Herb Knotted Breadsticks

These knotted breadsticks not only look fantastic but also have a delightful blend of herbs that complement the garlic.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 batch of pizza dough
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
  2. Brush with butter mixed with garlic and herbs.
  3. Cut into strips, twist each strip into knots.
  4. Place on a baking sheet and let rise for 20 minutes.
  5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they’re lightly golden.

3. Roasted Garlic and Cheddar Breadsticks

Roasted garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor to these cheesy breadsticks, making them an excellent choice for those who love a touch of caramelized taste.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole head of garlic
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
• Instructions:
  1. Roast the garlic in a 400°F (200°C) oven until soft and caramelized, about 35-45 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder, then stir in milk to form dough.
  3. Add the roasted garlic and cheddar cheese into the dough.
  4. Roll into logs, cut into strips, and twist.
  5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Spicy Garlic Breadsticks

For those who love a kick of heat along with their garlic, these breadsticks introduce chili flakes into the mix.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 batch of basic bread dough
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Instructions:
  1. Mix chili flakes with garlic and melted butter.
  2. Roll dough into a rectangle, spread the garlic-chili butter.
  3. Cut into strips and twist or braid.
  4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

5. Vegan Garlic Breadsticks

Catering to the plant-based crowd, these breadsticks swap out traditional ingredients for vegan alternatives, ensuring no flavor is lost.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 ½ cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• Instructions:
  1. Mix water, yeast, and sugar, let sit until frothy.
  2. Combine flour and salt, add in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  3. After kneading, add in minced garlic.
  4. Let dough rise, then roll out and shape into sticks.
  5. Brush with vegan butter, sprinkle with nutritional yeast before baking.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

🥕 Note: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a common substitute for cheese in vegan recipes.

In wrapping up, the versatility of breadsticks allows for a wide range of flavors, especially when garlic is the star ingredient. From the classic Parmesan-enhanced garlic breadsticks to the innovative vegan version, each recipe offers a unique experience tailored to garlic lovers. They serve not only as delicious companions to a hearty meal but also as a canvas for culinary creativity. Exploring different techniques, like braiding or knotting, can turn these breadsticks into both a culinary delight and an aesthetic centerpiece. Whether you're feeding a crowd or indulging in a personal treat, these recipes ensure that garlic takes center stage, delivering a burst of flavor that's as satisfying as it is aromatic.

Can breadsticks be made gluten-free?

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Yes, you can make gluten-free breadsticks using a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure to use a binding agent like xanthan gum to help with the texture.

What’s the best way to store leftover breadsticks?

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Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

How can I ensure my breadsticks are crispy?

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For a crispy texture, brush the breadsticks with a mixture of water and cornstarch before baking, and ensure they’re not too thick when shaping.