Breadsticks (Breadtwists)

These breadsticks or breadtwists are so easy to make and complement any meal from soups to spaghetti. Fluffy, buttery, oh so yummy!

Featured with this recipe

1. Ingredients for Breadsticks (Bread twists)
2. Steps to Making Breadsticks (Bread twists)
3. Suggestions for Breadsticks (Breadtwists)
4. Homemade Marinara Sauce
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. More Delicious Homemade Bread Recipes
7. How to Make Breadsticks (Breadtwists)
8. Breadsticks (Breadtwists) Recipe

This breadsticks recipe goes way back to when two of us sisters worked at the Utah-based restaurant, The Pizza Factory in high school. We loved everything on the menu from the gobbler sandwiches to the authentic bread twists that came with each meal. Something about that place just feels like home. So now that we’re out of state and can’t get our fix anytime we want, we had to come up with a version of our own.

These homemade breadsticks taste every bit as delicious as those Pizza Factory bread twists, so buttery, light, and comforting. There is just the right combination of butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese folded into the dough and twisted that makes these completely irresistible. They’re easy to make and complement so many meals, from soup recipes to Italian dishes.

Ingredients for Breadsticks (Bread twists)

These breadsticks are the perfect addition to any main dish! The pantry staple ingredients create soft and moist breadsticks every time. Kids love to help make these homemade breadsticks recipe!

• Yeast mixture – First, mix together warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. The yeast is the leavening agent for these breadsticks and the sugar helps the yeast to bloom quickly.
• All-purpose flour – Like every bread recipe, flour is the base for these breadsticks. You will also need it for a lightly floured surface when rolling out the dough.
• Salt – Use Kosher salt to add flavor. Salt can inhibit yeast rising, so make sure to add it with the flour and not at the beginning.
• Garlic butter filling – In the middle of the breadsticks is a layer of melted butter and garlic. When you twist the dough, the filling twists around and the butter creates flakey layers that accentuate the twist shape.
• Herb butter topping – When the breadsticks come out of the oven they get topped with a delicious combination of melted butter, garlic, basil, and oregano.
• Parmesan Cheese – The final finishing touch is a salty, cheesy dusting of Parmesan.

Steps to Making Breadsticks (Bread twists)

Get ready to enjoy delicious homemade breadsticks in less than an hour! Follow these quick and easy instructions to make a simple breadstick that is perfect for any occasion. It is easier than you think!

1. Mix – In a large bowl of a stand mixer, use a dough hook attachment. Mix water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Bread hook – Add flour and salt. Mix until smooth. This can be done in a stand mixer with a bread hook.
3. Rise – Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
4. Roll dough – On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a square. Melt butter and mix in minced garlic. Spread the garlic butter over the whole dough square. Sprinkle with salt.
5. Cut dough – Fold the square in half and cut the dough into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip and place it on a baking sheet. Let rise for 20 minutes.
6. Bake – Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. While the breadsticks are still warm, melt butter and add minced garlic, basil, and oregano. Brush the herb butter over the breadsticks and top with parmesan cheese.
7. Serve – Serve with marinara, ranch, or Alfredo sauce for dipping.
8. Marinara – For homemade marinara sauté the garlic in olive oil. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Suggestions for Breadsticks (Breadtwists)

Make these breadsticks a staple at your next dinner meal! Change the shape, use it for a pizza crust, or season it just the way you like your breadsticks. These suggestions are great tips for making the best breadsticks!

• Shape – The simple homemade dough can be molded into whatever shape you like; we are partial to longer strips that make breadtwists but you can make round rolls, crescents, and just about anything!
• Pizza crust – This recipe also makes the most delicious pizza crust! Roll it out in a circle then add all your favorite toppings.
• Pizza cutter – Use a pizza cutter to cut the lines of the bread dough. It gives a clean cut that makes it easier to lift the dough apart and twist.
• Seasonings – For truly authentic Pizza Factory breadtwists, add a little dried or fresh dill to the garlic butter. It just adds another layer of fresh flavor that can’t be beaten!
• Dips – Dip these breadsticks in Ranch dressing, warm marinara, or our homemade Alfredo Sauce.
• Sweet breadsticks – You can make these a sweeter breadstick recipe by omitting the garlic and parmesan cheese, and then dipping them in honey butter. So good!
• Frozen – These breadsticks can be made ahead of time and frozen for freshness. Bake and cool, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a week. Warm them up in the microwave and enjoy!
• Bouquet – The Pizza Factory twisted the breadsticks around large skewers and served them as sort of a breadtwist bouquet! You could do the same for your family and have a fun centerpiece for your meal.

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Homemade marinara sauce is so delicious and surprisingly easy to make! This doesn’t claim to be a “traditional” marinara, but it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Start by sautéing some garlic in olive oil. When the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, add tomato paste and tomato sauce.

Make sure to stir frequently and scrape the bottom of the pan so the tomato doesn’t scald on the bottom. Then, add some oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the head. Then, simmer for 15 minutes. 

“These were just delicious! and very quick and simple. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes! I use and love many of them!!”

-Emmy

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Homemade Bread Recipes

There is nothing better than warm homemade bread! We love to make our own bread recipes and it is easier than you think. Try some more of our favorite bread recipes!

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How to Make Breadsticks (Breadtwists)