Breadsticks (aka Breadtwists)

These Breadsticks (aka Breadtwists) are so easy to make and complement any meal from soups to spaghetti. Fluffy, buttery, oh so yummy!

Breadsticks (aka Breadtwists)

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 breadtwists 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 breadtwists, 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

• 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.
• 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.

Suggestions for Homemade Breadsticks

• 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, just about anything!
• This recipe also makes the most delicious pizza crust! Roll it out in a circle then add all your favorite toppings.
• 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 beat!
• Dip these breadsticks in Ranch dressing, warm marinara, or our homemade Alfredo Sauce.
• You can make these a sweeter breadstick recipe by omitting the garlic and Parmesan cheese, then dipping them in honey butter. So good!
• 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!
• 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. 

What to Serve with Breadsticks

Serve these warm, chewy breadsticks with any meal! They’re especially good with any of these recipes:

• Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup – Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup is full of savory ground beef and hearty vegetables. One of the easiest soups to throw together on a busy, chilly day, and always a family favorite!
• Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is truly good for the soul. Rich broth, chunks of juicy chicken and tender noodles create a comfort classic that is ready in no time!
• Loaded Baked Potato Soup – This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is loaded with potatoes, bacon, corn, and cheese. Our hearty recipe is a perfect way to warm up when it is cold outside!
• Nick’s Authentic Italian Spaghetti – Nick’s Authentic Italian Spaghetti recipe comes straight from Italy. Tomatoes, basil, onions, and carrots flavor the meat to make the perfect sauce!
• Easy Cheesy Manicotti – Easy Cheese Manicotti  is stuffed with three kinds of cheese and smothered in savory tomato sauce. A simple Italian dish that’s sure to be a hit!
• Baked Rotini with Italian Sausage – Baked Rotini with Italian Sausage is savory, cheesy, and a little spicy. It is an easy dinner and can be frozen and reheated later.

More Delicious Homemade Bread Recipes

Is there anything better than warm homemade bread? Here are some more of our favorite bread recipes.

• Irish Soda Bread – This authentic Irish Soda Bread is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. It is easy to make. The bread doesn’t have to rise and there is very little kneading involved.
• Subway Bread – This bread works great for Subway sandwiches. It is soft, slightly chewy, and has a fresh, homemade flavor.
• Zucchini Bread – This is our Mom’s no-fail recipe for zucchini bread. A moist, flavorful bread with a slightly crispy crust.
• Rosemary Parmesan Focaccia Bread – The perfect dipping bread! It is delicious dipped in olive oil or as a side for soup.
• Sally Lunn Bread – A sweet bread recipe that has been passed down in our family for generations.