Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast. Add warm water, sugar, and yeast to a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until foamy.
- Make the dough. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Shape the breadsticks. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 pieces, and roll each piece into a breadstick shape.
- Rest again. Place breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bake. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.
- Make the marinara. While breadsticks bake, warm olive oil in a small saucepan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make garlic butter. Stir melted butter with garlic powder and optional Italian seasoning.
- Coat the breadsticks. Brush hot breadsticks generously with garlic butter, then immediately sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve warm. Serve the breadsticks with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Tip: Do not overbake the breadsticks. They should be puffed, soft, and lightly golden instead of crunchy.
Shortcut Tip: Use store-bought pizza dough for a faster version. Shape, bake, brush with garlic butter, coat with parmesan, and serve with warm marinara.
Healthy Tips & Daily Wellness
These garlic parmesan breadsticks are comfort food, so the easiest way to balance them is with fresh sides and protein-rich meals.
Serve them with a big salad, vegetable soup, grilled chicken, turkey meatballs, roasted vegetables, or a veggie-packed pizza night spread.
For a lighter version, use part whole wheat flour, reduce the butter slightly, and make the marinara with no added sugar if your tomato sauce is naturally sweet.
For a more filling dinner, pair the breadsticks with tomato soup, chicken Caesar salad, turkey chili, lean protein pizza, or a bowl of vegetable-packed minestrone.
