How to Make Soft and Fragrant Breadsticks Directly At Home!
Let’s face it, there’s something satisfying about making bread from scratch. Maybe it's the feeling of power as you knead dough like a culinary gladiator, or maybe it's the irresistible smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes.
Either way, these Soft and Fragrant Breadsticks are about to become your go-to appetizer for saucy dishes, or even your snackable saviors when the snack cabinet is looking tragic. You’ll whip these up with flour, milk, yeast, and a few flavorful extras. Then, give them a couple of gentle rolls, let them puff up like they’ve just heard good news, and pop them in the oven until golden.
What Are Breadsticks, and Where Did They Even Come From?
Breadsticks, also known by their fancier alter ego “grissini’, were popular on European tables since the late 1600s. They originated in Italy, specifically in Turin, where a baker created them for a duke who had digestive issues. Since then, they've traveled across tables and borders transforming into these soft versions.
Pro Tips for the Best Soft Breadsticks
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise. It may seem like dough drama, but this step ensures the final breadsticks are fluffy, not dense.
- Add sesame generously because it adds a hint of crunch and a lovely toasty aroma on top.
- Once they turn golden on top, pull them out. No one likes a dry breadstick.
What Can I Pair These With?
Dip them in marinara, pair them with soup, snuggle them up next to a roast chicken, or serve them as the main meal. Bonus points for setting them out with a little bowl of herbed olive oil for dipping.
Why Do I Have to Let Them Rise Twice?
Think of the first rise as letting the dough puff up and relax. The second rise gives the final shape more lift and tenderness. Skipping either is like trying to watch a movie from the middle, you’ll miss the build-up.
What If I Don’t Have Ghee?
No ghee? No crisis. Use melted butter or a neutral oil instead. Ghee adds a slight nuttiness, but these breadsticks won’t fall apart without it.
Can I Add Cheese Inside?
Oh yes! Sprinkle a little grated cheese after brushing with butter before rolling, and you’ve got yourself a cheesy upgrade.
Why Egg Yolk and Not the Whole Egg?
Using just the yolk gives a deep, shiny golden finish, like a glow-up for your breadsticks. The white can sometimes bake up unevenly or flake.
How to Store Any Leftovers
Store leftover breadsticks at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they start to lose their charm, a quick zap in the microwave or a 5-minute toast in the oven will wake them up. Want to keep them longer? Freeze and reheat as needed.
Ingredients
How to Make Soft Breadsticks
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and warm milk. Knead until smooth and elastic.
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and warm milk. Knead until smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each one out into a flat sheet about ¼ inch thick.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each one out into a flat sheet about ¼ inch thick.
Brush the dough sheet generously with melted butter and roll it up into a log. Place the rolls on a tray, cover with a clean towel, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Brush the dough sheet generously with melted butter and roll it up into a log. Place the rolls on a tray, cover with a clean towel, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Flatten each roll gently, then brush again with melted butter and roll back up. Yes, it's a double roll, it’s what gives these breadsticks their signature layers.
Flatten each roll gently, then brush again with melted butter and roll back up. Yes, it's a double roll, it’s what gives these breadsticks their signature layers.
Place each roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make gentle diagonal cuts across the top, but don’t slice all the way through.
Place each roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make gentle diagonal cuts across the top, but don’t slice all the way through.
Brush each one with egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top like confetti. Cover and let the shaped breadsticks rise for another hour. Go read a chapter of your book or scroll through your phone guiltlessly.
Brush each one with egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top like confetti. Cover and let the shaped breadsticks rise for another hour. Go read a chapter of your book or scroll through your phone guiltlessly.
Finally, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Finally, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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