Garlicky Breadsticks
Garlicky breadsticks with a rich, roasted garlic flavor and a crispy texture, perfect as an appetizer or side for any Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap garlic bulb in aluminum foil and place in a small baking pan.
- Bake in the oven for 70 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Unwrap the garlic and cut off about 1/4-inch from the top of the bulb.
- Squeeze out the soft garlic cloves from the bulb.
- Puree the roasted garlic in a food processor with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. You can also use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn't available, but the flavor will be milder. For a cheesy twist, try adding more Parmesan cheese to the tops before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These garlicky breadsticks are perfect as an appetizer or side dish alongside Italian recipes like Mostaccioli Alfredo or Stuffed Cheese Shells. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping, or alongside a fresh salad. They also make a great accompaniment to a hearty soup, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlicky Breadsticks contains roughly 462 calories, with 15g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1494mg per serving (65% 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 these breadsticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. After the first rise, shape the breadsticks and store them covered in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature before baking, which may take about 30 minutes.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use all-purpose flour or semolina as a substitute for dusting the baking surface. While cornmeal adds a nice texture, the breadsticks will still turn out delicious without it.
How do I know when the breadsticks are done baking?
The breadsticks should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Depending on your oven, baking time may vary slightly, so check them around the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
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).