I love making these garlic bread sticks when I want something warm, soft, and full of flavor without much effort. They come out fluffy on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and brushed with buttery garlic goodness that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. This is one of those recipes I turn to for family dinners, soups, or even casual snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it uses simple pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any special equipment. I enjoy how the dough is easy to handle and forgiving, even if I’m not in the mood to be precise. I also love that these bread sticks are soft, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into sauces or serving alongside meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – 2¼ cups
Milk (lukewarm) – ½ cup
Water (lukewarm) – ¼ cup
Active dry yeast – 1 tsp
Sugar – 2 tsp
Butter – 5½ tbsp
Garlic (minced) – 1 tbsp
Dried oregano – 1 tbsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – to taste
Directions
I start by mixing the lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy. Then I add the flour and salt and mix everything until a soft dough forms.
I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. After that, I place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, I punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. I cut it into even strips, usually about 1 inch thick, and place them on a lined baking tray. I melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt, then brush this mixture generously over the dough sticks.
I bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15–18 minutes, until they are lightly golden on top. I like to brush a little more garlic butter on them right after baking.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 10–12 bread sticks from this recipe, depending on how thick I cut them.
Preparation time is around 20 minutes.
Rising time is about 1 hour.
Baking time is 15–18 minutes.
Total time comes to roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add grated cheese on top before baking for cheesy garlic bread sticks. When I want extra flavor, I mix in chili flakes or Italian seasoning with the garlic butter. I also like brushing olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover bread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm them in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for a few minutes to bring back their softness. I avoid the microwave because it can make them chewy.
FAQs
How Thick Should I Cut The Bread Sticks?
I usually cut them about 1 inch thick, which gives a soft interior and lightly crisp edges.
Can I Use Only Water Instead Of Milk?
I can use only water, but I prefer milk because it makes the bread sticks softer and richer.
Can I Make The Dough Ahead Of Time?
I like to prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, then shape and bake it the next day.
Can I Replace Yeast With Baking Powder Or Baking Soda?
I don’t recommend replacing yeast in this recipe because it provides the softness and structure that baking powder or soda can’t achieve here.
What Texture Should I Expect?
I get bread sticks that are soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
Conclusion
I find these garlic bread sticks incredibly satisfying to make and even better to eat. They are simple, comforting, and versatile enough to serve with almost any meal. Whenever I want homemade bread without too much effort, this recipe is always my go-to.
Soft and fluffy garlic bread sticks brushed with buttery garlic and herbs, perfect for dipping or serving with meals. A warm, comforting, and easy homemade bread option.
Total Time:1 hour 40 minutes
Yield:10–12 bread sticks
Ingredients
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup lukewarm milk
¼ cup lukewarm water
1 tsp active dry yeast
2 tsp sugar
5½ tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, mix lukewarm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour and salt. Mix to form a soft dough.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle.
Cut into 1-inch wide strips and place on a lined baking tray.
Melt butter and mix with garlic, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Brush generously over the dough strips.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
Brush with extra garlic butter after baking if desired.
Notes
Add grated cheese before baking for cheesy bread sticks.
Mix chili flakes or Italian seasoning into the garlic butter for added flavor.
Brush with olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
Store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven at 160°C (325°F) to maintain texture.
