Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Name: Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt to taste

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks are the ultimate comfort food—a soft, fluffy bread infused with the rich aroma of garlic and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect as a side for pasta, soup, or salad, or simply enjoyed on its own as a snack. The combination of golden-brown bread, melted butter, minced garlic, and nutty Parmesan cheese creates a flavor that’s irresistibly savory and utterly comforting.

What makes these breadsticks special is their texture. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfectly buttery. The garlic flavor is fragrant but not overpowering, while the Parmesan adds a subtle salty tang that elevates the taste.

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make yet feels indulgent. Making bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but these breadsticks are simple, forgiving, and always deliver a delicious result. They bring a warm, homemade touch to any meal and are sure to impress friends and family.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks recipe because it combines simplicity and indulgence in the best possible way. The dough is soft, airy, and easy to work with, making the baking process stress-free and enjoyable. The garlic-parmesan topping is buttery, savory, and aromatic—perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors.

These breadsticks are also versatile. They pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, salads, or even as a standalone snack for movie nights. I adore how the aroma of baking bread fills the kitchen and makes the entire home feel cozy and inviting. Every bite brings a satisfying crunch on the outside, a soft, fluffy interior, and a burst of garlicky, cheesy flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks are a must-try because they are universally loved and incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Soft, buttery, garlicky breadsticks are a crowd-pleaser and make any meal feel more comforting and indulgent.

The recipe is also a great way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients—flour, yeast, garlic, butter, and Parmesan—you can create a bakery-style treat at home. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, easy enough for beginners but delicious enough for seasoned bakers to enjoy making.

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Appetizer / Side Dish
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 breadsticks
Calories (per breadstick): ~180 kcal

Ingredients

For the dough:

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt

For the topping:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Salt to taste

Cooking Directions

Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a stick shape. Place on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each breadstick.
Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the topping: Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush half of this mixture over the breadsticks.
Bake the breadsticks: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and dried parsley on top. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Activate yeast: Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast, and let foam.
Mix dough: Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and olive oil, mix to form dough.
Knead dough: Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
First rise: Cover dough and let it rise 1 hour until doubled.
Shape breadsticks: Punch down dough, divide, and roll into sticks.
Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Apply garlic butter: Mix butter and garlic, brush over dough.
Bake: 12-15 minutes until golden.
Add toppings: Brush more garlic butter, sprinkle Parmesan and parsley.
Serve: Enjoy warm.

How to Serve

Serve alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
Pair with marinara or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
Great for game nights, parties, or family dinners.

Recipe Tips

Ensure water is warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast.
Knead dough well for a soft and airy texture.
Brush with garlic butter right after baking for extra flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; breadsticks need space to expand.

Variations

Cheesy Breadsticks: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top before baking.
Herb-Infused Breadsticks: Mix rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dough or butter.
Spicy Breadsticks: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store cooled breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked breadsticks for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Large mixing bowl
Pastry brush for garlic butter
Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks are a deliciously comforting treat that bring homemade warmth to any meal. They are soft, buttery, and packed with garlic and cheese flavor, making them a favorite for family dinners, parties, or even as a snack on their own. With a simple dough, easy preparation, and endless variations, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of bread, garlic, and cheese. Making these breadsticks at home not only fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma but also creates a dish that everyone will love.

Print Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Appetizer & Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 75 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: (per breadstick): ~180 kcal

Description

Instructions

Prepare the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the breadsticks: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a stick shape. Place on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each breadstick.
Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the topping: Mix melted butter with minced garlic. Brush half of this mixture over the breadsticks.
Bake the breadsticks: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and dried parsley on top. Serve warm.