The Magic of Yeast

Let’s talk about yeast. It is a tiny, sleepy creature. You wake it up with warm water and sugar.

Watch it get foamy and bubbly. That means it is alive and happy. I love watching it bloom. It feels like a little science project on my counter.

A Little Story About Dough

I taught my grandson to make this dough. He loved punching it down after it rose. He called it his “dough pillow.” I still laugh at that.

Kneading the dough is important. It makes the breadsticks soft and chewy. This matters because it builds the bread’s strength. It is like exercise for your dough.

Shaping Your Breadsticks

Rolling the dough into ropes is fun. Do not worry if they are not perfect. Each one will have its own special character.

That is the beauty of homemade food. It does not need to look like it came from a store. What is your favorite shape to make with dough? Tell me about it.

The Best Smell in the World

While they bake, your kitchen will smell amazing. It is the smell of warm garlic and fresh bread. It makes a house feel like a home.

*Fun fact*: The smell of baking bread is one of the most comforting smells in the world. Scientists have done studies on it. I believe them.

The Final Touch

Brushing on the garlic butter right after baking is key. The hot bread soaks it all up. This makes every bite full of flavor.

This simple step matters a lot. It turns good bread into great bread. Do you like your garlic breadsticks soft or a little crispy? I am always curious.

Sharing is the Best Part

These breadsticks are best shared right away. Pass them around the table while they are warm. Seeing people enjoy your food is a wonderful feeling.

Cooking for others is an act of love. It connects us. What is your favorite food to share with your family? I would love to know.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Water, warmed	1 cup (237 g) plus 2 tbsp	About 110°-115°F
Active dry yeast	1¼ teaspoons
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
Kosher salt	2 teaspoons	For dough
Olive oil	3 tablespoons
Bread flour	2 cups (254 g)
Unsalted butter, melted	2 tablespoons	For garlic butter
Garlic salt	1½ teaspoons	For garlic butter
Kosher salt	½ teaspoon	For garlic butter

My Cozy Kitchen Garlic Breadsticks

There is nothing like the smell of baking bread. It makes a house feel like a home. My grandkids always appear the moment I pull these breadsticks from the oven. They are warm, soft, and have just the right amount of garlicky goodness. Let’s make some happy memories together.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Garlic salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: First, we wake up the yeast. Mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a big bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes. You should see it get a little foamy. That means your yeast is happy and alive. I still watch for those tiny bubbles every time.

Step 2: Now, add the salt, olive oil, and flour. Stir it all together until it forms a shaggy ball. Your mixer will do the hard work here. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t add too much extra flour. A slightly sticky dough makes the softest breadsticks!). The dough will pull away from the bowl’s sides when it’s ready.

Step 3: Let the mixer knead the dough for five minutes. This makes it strong and stretchy. Then, shape it into a smooth ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for an hour. It will get nice and puffy. I use this time to tidy up.

Step 4: Gently punch the dough down. It’s fun to see it deflate! Divide it into twelve little pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Line them up on your baking sheets. Let them rise again for another hour. They will get a little plump. Why do we let the dough rise twice? Share below!

Step 5: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breadsticks for 15-18 minutes until they are a beautiful golden brown. Doesn’t that smell amazing? As soon as they come out, brush them with melted butter. Then sprinkle on the garlic salt. This is the best part. Serve them warm and watch them disappear.

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 breadsticks
Category: Side, Bread

Three Fun Twists to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, you can get creative. I love adding little extras to match our meal. It makes dinner feel extra special. Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix things up.

Cheesy Pull-Apart: Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the breadsticks before baking.

Herb Garden Delight: Mix a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs right into the garlic butter.

Everything Bagel Style: After brushing with butter, add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

These breadsticks are wonderful all on their own. But they also love company. I like to serve them with a big bowl of tomato soup for dipping. They are also perfect next to a big, leafy salad. My family fights over the last one every time.

For a drink, a cold glass of milk is a classic choice. It’s so comforting. For the grown-ups, a chilled glass of pinot grigio pairs nicely. It cuts through the rich, garlicky flavor. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Garlic Breadsticks Fresh

Let’s talk about keeping your breadsticks tasty. They are best eaten warm from the oven. But you can save them for later.

Let them cool completely first. Then store them in an airtight bag. They will stay soft on your counter for two days.

You can also freeze them for a month. I once froze a whole batch for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to have a warm snack ready.

To reheat, wrap them in foil. Warm them in a 350°F oven for ten minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked magic.

Making a double batch is a smart idea. It saves you time on a busy week. A ready-made treat makes any day better.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Breadstick Troubles

Sometimes, our baking does not go as planned. Do not worry. Here are some easy fixes.

First, if your dough won’t rise, check your yeast. Your water might be too hot. I remember when I used hot water and my yeast did nothing. Water should feel warm on your wrist, not hot.

This matters because active yeast makes your breadsticks light and fluffy. Second, if your breadsticks are too hard, you may have added too much flour.

Measure your flour carefully. The dough should be a little sticky. This ensures a soft and chewy texture.

Finally, if the garlic butter soaks in, your breadsticks are too hot. Let them cool for five minutes before brushing. This gives you a perfect, buttery crust.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Garlic Breadstick Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes, use a good gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be a little different.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?

A: You can let it rise in the fridge overnight. This develops more flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have garlic salt?

A: Mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder and salt. It works just as well.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Of course. Just use a bigger bowl for mixing. You will have plenty to share.

Q: Any fun additions?

A: Try sprinkling parsley or grated cheese on top. A fun fact: The smell of garlic baking is called the “kitchen perfume” in my house.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these breadsticks as much as I do. There is nothing better than sharing warm food.

It fills your home with wonderful smells. It fills your heart with joy too.

I would be so happy to see your creations. Please share a picture of your golden breadsticks.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.