Best Bread Sticks
Golden, crispy bread sticks with a soft interior, perfect for snacking or accompanying meals. Flavored with yeast, honey, and optional seasonings, they appeal to all bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast and honey in warm water in a large bowl.
- Add malted milk powder and salt.
- Gradually add flour to form a dough.
- Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll on a floured surface into sticks about 10 to 12 inches long.
- Place the dough sticks on greased baking sheets.
- Brush the sticks with beaten egg and sprinkle with desired toppings such as poppy or sesame seeds.
- Allow the bread sticks to rise for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately brush with melted butter or olive oil after baking to keep them soft.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor twist, try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the dough. If you don’t have malted milk powder, you can substitute with equal parts powdered milk. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. For a crunchier texture, bake on a pizza stone. Serve alongside dishes like Shelly'S Green Chili Cheese Grits for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
These bread sticks are perfect as an appetizer or side with soups and salads. They pair beautifully with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping. Consider serving them with a fresh garden salad or alongside a hearty bowl of soup like minestrone. They also complement dishes like Sour Cream Corn Pudding, enhancing your meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Bread Sticks contains roughly 420 calories, with 5g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it into sticks and proceeding with the recipe.
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast without any adjustments to the amount. However, if you’re using fresh yeast, you’ll need about three times the amount. Just dissolve it in warm water as you would with active dry yeast before proceeding with the recipe.
How do I achieve a softer bread stick?
To keep your bread sticks soft, brush them immediately with melted butter or olive oil after baking. You can also cover them with a clean kitchen towel as they cool to retain moisture. Adding a little extra oil to the dough can also help achieve a softer texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).