Best Ever Breadsticks
Golden, crispy breadsticks with a soft interior, infused with buttery flavor and topped with coarse salt or Parmesan cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, salt, and butter.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Combine milk mixture, yeast, and 1 1/2 cups flour; beat until smooth.
- Add enough remaining flour to form stiff dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Punch dough down.
- Pinch off golf ball-sized pieces.
- Roll into pencil-sized strips.
- Place on a greased baking sheet 1 inch apart. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
- Combine egg white and water; brush over sticks.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt or Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using whole milk instead of low-fat. If you don't have quick rise yeast, you can use active dry yeast; just allow for longer rising times. For added flavor, mix in herbs like garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the dough. You can also brush the breadsticks with garlic butter after baking for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
These breadsticks make a great appetizer or side dish for soups and salads. They pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Tortellini With Pink Sauce or can be served alongside a fresh salad dressed with Low Calorie Creamy Italian Dressing. For a fun twist, serve with marinara sauce or garlic butter for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Breadsticks contains roughly 82 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with 2 cups of whole wheat flour and add more as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to old yeast or the temperature not being warm enough. Make sure your water temperature is between 110° to 115°F and that your yeast is fresh. You can also try placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking the breadsticks.
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).