Three-Way Homemade Breadsticks Everyone Will Reach for First

This recipe transforms one simple dough into three irresistible flavors, which are fragrant rosemary, tangy dried tomatoes, and rich olive paste. It's an easy way to add variety while keeping the preparation wonderfully straightforward.

Whether you're serving them alongside soup, pairing them with pasta, adding them to a party platter, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these homemade breadsticks fit just about any occasion.

What Are Homemade Breadsticks?

Breadsticks are long, slender pieces of baked bread that can be soft, crisp, or somewhere in between depending on the recipe. Their roots are often linked to Italy, particularly the city of Turin, where grissini became popular hundreds of years ago. According to popular stories, they were created as an easier-to-digest bread for a young duke, eventually becoming a favorite across Italy and beyond.

Today, breadsticks have evolved into countless variations. Some are sprinkled with herbs, others are filled with cheese, seeds, or spices, while many are served alongside dips, soups, and pasta dishes.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Breadsticks

• Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic to help create breadsticks with a pleasant texture.
• Spread the toppings evenly across each section so every breadstick has a balanced taste.
• Twist the strips gently instead of stretching them too tightly so they keep their shape while baking.
• Brush generously with olive oil just before baking to encourage a beautifully golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Fresh Yeast?

Yes. If you don't have fresh yeast, instant yeast works very well in this recipe. Simply substitute with about one-third of the weight of fresh yeast, which is roughly 4½ to 5 grams.

Instant yeast can be mixed directly with the flour, making preparation even simpler. The rising time may vary slightly depending on your kitchen temperature, so focus on the dough doubling in size rather than watching the clock.

Can I Change the Toppings?

Try sesame seeds, oregano, garlic, grated Parmesan, chili flakes, za'atar, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning. Just avoid adding toppings that contain too much moisture.

Can I Make These Breadsticks Crispier?

Yes, simply bake them for a few extra minutes while keeping an eye on the color. You can also roll the dough slightly thinner before cutting the strips. Thinner breadsticks naturally bake into a crispier texture.

How to Store Leftover Breadsticks

They are best enjoyed within three days but can be frozen for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 180°C (360°F) oven for about 5-8 minutes until warmed through.

How to Make Three-Way Homemade Breadsticks

Step 1

Step 1

Pour the lukewarm water into a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh yeast and sugar, then stir with a spatula until the yeast begins dissolving. Add the flour along with a pinch of salt and continue mixing until the dough starts coming together. Then knead it with your hands, cover with cling film, and let it rise for about 50 minutes.

Pour the lukewarm water into a large mixing bowl. Add the fresh yeast and sugar, then stir with a spatula until the yeast begins dissolving. Add the flour along with a pinch of salt and continue mixing until the dough starts coming together. Then knead it with your hands, cover with cling film, and let it rise for about 50 minutes.

Step 2

Step 2

Transfer the risen dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the surface, then gently press the dough outward with your fingertips to spread it evenly. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another hour.

Transfer the risen dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the surface, then gently press the dough outward with your fingertips to spread it evenly. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another hour.

Step 3

Step 3

Divide the dough visually into three equal sections. Sprinkle dry rosemary over the first section, and scatter chopped dried tomatoes across the second section. Then spread olive paste evenly over the final section.

Divide the dough visually into three equal sections. Sprinkle dry rosemary over the first section, and scatter chopped dried tomatoes across the second section. Then spread olive paste evenly over the final section.

Step 4

Step 4

Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough in half lengthwise. Next, cut across the dough horizontally to create long strips.

Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough in half lengthwise. Next, cut across the dough horizontally to create long strips.

Step 5

Step 5

Pick up each strip carefully and gently twist it several times.

Pick up each strip carefully and gently twist it several times.

Step 6

Step 6

Transfer every twisted strip onto another parchment-lined baking tray and brush each breadstick with olive oil.

Transfer every twisted strip onto another parchment-lined baking tray and brush each breadstick with olive oil.

Step 7

Step 7

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes.

Step 8

Step 8

Serve them all together and enjoy!

Serve them all together and enjoy!